Self-described as eclectic and energetic, deep and intricate, its difficult to pinpoint the source of Cross Cultures musical influences. Our versatile sound goes hand in hand with the bands name, comments guitarist and bassist Justin David. We cross traditional cultural boundaries by mixing hard, melodic rock with jazz, gospel and funk.
The history of Cross Culture dates back to 1998. Justin and drummer Chris Wright both attended highschool together in Columbus, Ohio, where they co-founded the band Color. With seven members in its original line-up, Color was heavily influenced by the ska movement. By 2002, the group had established a signature riff-laden funk/rock style and downsized to its three current members, Justin, Chris and guitarist Dan Harrass. The band additionally updated its name to Cross Culture.
Cross Culture has a similar meaning to our former name Color, David says. Our band consists of an African American, a Hispanic American, and me [Caucasian]. With all the changes in our physical line-up as well as in our music, we felt a name change was also appropriate.
Musically, Cross Culture admits that its probably not reinventing the wheel. We dont claim to be exclusive in our sound, says David. We simply bring all that we are and all that we like musically to the table in hopes that music lovers of all backgrounds will walk away with something relevant. Humble though it sounds, the concept works well for Cross Culture. The band freely draws from many well-loved musical sources to create music that offers something for everyone, especially on its national debut release, Proof Positive. Produced by Grammy-winning duo John and Dino Elefante, Proof Positive kicks off in signature Cross Culture fashion with the jammin, seize-the-moment anthem This Moment in Time. The album maintains unwavering momentum from one danceable track to the next. Among Cross Cultures most musically diverse cuts is Wave, an effective amalgamation of surf rock, Latin horns and rap. The hybrid style of Wave successfully relates its universal message about perseverance amidst lifes ups and downs Cross Culture makes its beliefs honest and transparent in its music. One of These Days is a prime example. Justin explains, I went through a bit of a depressed stage, and my character suffered because of it. I felt like I was set up to be a failure. This song talks about our aspirations to grow and to become better individuals than anyone said we could be. We want to convey the message that theres something bigger and more meaningful than the status quo. Aware that being a band on stage is something bigger, the members of Cross Culture draw on personal experiences to set their purpose as a group. We strive to be an example to others individually and as a band. We are driven by our personal faith experiences, and that comes out in everything we have to offer in our music.
CAN'T LIVE
Cross Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Day to day I look at myself, how could this be?)
It's the hardest thing to see, when I see myself
I have been found wanting
(Deep within my heart I know there only thing)
Or what I cannot have on the other side
The grass is greener
I cannot do this on my own
I'm not that strong when I'm alone
(The situation that I face forever goes on and on)
I'm know myself, I'm no one else
(Now I'm on my knees and I'm asking for help)
In this life I can't trust myself
It's all in the way
It all fades away with you inside of me
I can't live
Can't live this way
I can't give what I threw away
You are so much better
(I'm looking forward to the day we can be together)
Than the person I've become since I've been without you
I cannot do this on my own
(I've been out in this wilderness for far too long)
Only you could break through all I am inside
Only you could take me where I need to be alright
It's all in the way
Can't spend on more day without you here with me
The song "Can't Live" by Cross Culture deals with themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and the need for external support. The opening lines of the song bring up a challenging issue - the idea that one cannot trust oneself. The singer reflects on their own behavior and wonders how things have come to this point. This theme of introspection and self-reflection continues throughout the song, as the singer figures out what they need from the world around them to feel secure and loved.
The central metaphor of the song is about grass - the grass is always greener on the other side. This saying suggests that we often look at what others have and feel like our own situation is lacking in comparison. The singer admits to feeling this way, recognizing that they have been "found wanting" and unable to attain what they most desire. However, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer acknowledging that they need help and seeking it out from the outside world.
Overall, "Can't Live" is a poignant exploration of self-doubt and the need for external validation. It is a reminder that we all need support from others at times, and that it is perfectly okay to ask for help when we need it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm learning not to trust me
Every single day, I have to examine my actions and thoughts deeply as I have come to the realization that I cannot rely on my own judgment.
It's the hardest thing to see, when I see myself
Looking at myself objectively is the most challenging thing that I have ever done.
I have been found wanting
I am lacking in so many ways that it hurts me deeply, and I know it.
Or what I cannot have on the other side
The grass is greener
I always want things that I cannot have or do not have, and I feel like the things I do not have are always better in some way. This desire for what I do not have only makes me more miserable.
I cannot do this on my own
I am not capable of handling my life and struggles alone; I need help and support from others.
I'm not that strong when I'm alone
(The situation that I face forever goes on and on)
Being alone makes me weaker and more vulnerable to the problems that I face, which seem to go on endlessly and have no real solution.
I'm know myself, I'm no one else
(Now I'm on my knees and I'm asking for help)
I have come to terms with who I am, but I also realize that I need to humble myself and ask others for help if I am going to overcome my struggles.
In this life I can't trust myself
I have come to the realization that in my life, I cannot trust myself to make the right choices or decisions.
It's all in the way
It all fades away with you inside of me
When I am with the person I love, everything else in the world fades away, and nothing else really matters as long as they are with me.
You are so much better
(I'm looking forward to the day we can be together)
I believe that my partner is so much better than me and that I am looking forward to the day when we can finally be together.
Than the person I've become since I've been without you
Since my partner has been away from me, I feel like I have become less of a person and lost parts of myself that I cannot get back without them.
Only you could break through all I am inside
Only you could take me where I need to be alright
Only my partner has the power to break through my emotional barriers and make me feel okay again, taking me to the place where I need to be in order to be at peace.
Can't spend on more day without you here with me
Just one more day without my partner by my side is too much for me to bear, and I cannot handle it anymore.
I can't live
Can't live this way
I can't give what I threw away
I cannot live without my partner by my side, and I cannot keep going on like this. I regret the decisions I made that pushed my partner away, and I cannot fix them alone.
Contributed by Ava S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.