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.
One Of These Days
Cross Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I cannot even see myself
I'm left with nothing, but a touch from somewhere else
Caution yields me down inside
It tells me never to let go
I've got a hold of something
Let me say
One of these days I'll be like you
One of these days I'll open my eyes
To all of these things you brought me through
One of these days
I feel so alone sometimes
Echoes always haunt me
And I'm left with nothing, but everything you've taught me
I stand right up and look ahead
Every single word you've said, changes me forever
So I'll shout it out
There is nothing left to say
You have said it all
There is nothing left to prove
You're all the proof I need
There is nothing left to give
You gave it all away
When you came for me to die
I gave you nothing
In "One of These Days," Cross Culture explores the journey of someone who is struggling to find their way in life. The first verse describes the singer's feeling of being lost and directionless, moving through a dark and mysterious place that they can't begin to understand. They are looking for something to hold onto, some sort of anchor. They feel isolated, disconnected from everything around them, and the only thing that guides them is the idea of being cautious and not letting go. The chorus brings a note of hope, however. The singer describes a future time when they will have found their way and will live their life with the same confidence and purpose as the person they look up to. They promise to open their eyes and see all of the good things in life that have been brought to them by someone else's guidance.
In the second verse, the singer continues to struggle against the sense of isolation and despair that plagues them. They feel alone, burdened by echoes of past sorrows and regrets. However, they still choose to stand strong and face the future with courage, thanks to the wisdom and guidance that they have received. They are changed by the lessons they have learned, and they know that they owe their current strength to everything someone else has taught them. Finally, in the last section of the song, the singer acknowledges that they have nothing to offer in return for what they have been given but remain grateful for all that they have received.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the black hole night I crawl
I'm lost and struggling to find my way in the darkness
I cannot even see myself
I feel invisible and insignificant
I'm left with nothing, but a touch from somewhere else
I'm searching for some kind of comfort or guidance from a higher power
Caution yields me down inside
My fears and doubts hold me back from taking risks
It tells me never to let go
My intuition urges me to hold onto whatever helps me cope with life's challenges
I've got a hold of something
I've found a source of strength and hope
One of these days I'll live my life like
Someday I will feel confident and in control of my destiny
One of these days I'll be like you
I aspire to embody the qualities that I admire in others
One of these days I'll open my eyes
I will see the world with clarity and purpose
To all of these things you brought me through
I'm grateful for the experiences and lessons that have shaped me
I feel so alone sometimes
I struggle with feelings of isolation and disconnection
Echoes always haunt me
My past traumas and regrets continue to affect me
And I'm left with nothing, but everything you've taught me
Despite my struggles, I've gained wisdom and strength from my experiences
I stand right up and look ahead
I am determined to keep moving forward
Every single word you've said, changes me forever
The guidance and support I've received has had a profound impact on my life
So I'll shout it out
I want to express my gratitude and share my journey with others
There is nothing left to say
I am speechless in the face of your love and sacrifice
You have said it all
Your actions have spoken louder than words
There is nothing left to prove
I don't need to prove myself to anyone because your acceptance is all I need
You're all the proof I need
Your love and support is more than enough evidence of my worthiness
There is nothing left to give
You have given me everything I need
You gave it all away
Your sacrifice and generosity have blessed my life in immeasurable ways
When you came for me to die
The ultimate act of love was when you gave your life for mine
I gave you nothing
I can never repay you for what you've done, but I offer my gratitude and love
Contributed by Miles Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.