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.
Swing
Cross Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're bringing this song straight to you
With a beat that will make you move
So if you feel it, listen
You gotta walk a mile when you got no shoes
You gotta solve the puzzle when there are no clues
You gotta throw your hands up when you don't want to
You gotta say yeah
Everything is alright
When I'm in the spotlight
Swing, everybody swing (Let it all go, lose control)
Swing, everybody swing (Make some noise at the top of your voice and just...)
I wanna see everybody moving left to right
Side to side, listen
Roll left when you're used to right
You gotta stand up when you used to sit tight
You gotta throw your hands up when you don't want to
Shake yourself, wake up and make a little noise
Swing, everybody swing (Let it all go, lose control)
Swing, everybody swing (Make some noise at the top of your voice and just...)
Swing, everybody swing (All the way from the back to front...sing)
Swing, everybody swing (It's like a bomb, it's about to blow)
Boom!
Swing, everybody swing (Let it all go, lose control)
Swing, everybody swing (Make some noise at the top of your voice and just...)
Swing, everybody swing (Shout it! C'mon! We got everything you want and need. It's like this...listen)
Swing, everybody swing (Take your fist and move it side to side)
Swing, everybody swing (All the way from the front to back)
Swing, everybody swing (It's like a bomb, it's about to blow)
The song "Swing" by Cross Culture is an upbeat track aimed at getting people to dance and let loose. The lyrics are motivational and encourage the listener to step out of their comfort zone and take action, even when it may be challenging or unfamiliar. The opening lines introduce the song as a party anthem, promising a beat that will make listeners move. The following verses focus on the idea of pushing oneself and taking risks in order to experience new things and make the most of life. The chorus repeats the command to "swing" and encourages everyone to make noise and let go of inhibitions.
The lyrics contain several examples of metaphorical language that illustrate the song's themes. For example, the line "You gotta walk a mile when you got no shoes" suggests that sometimes we must push through difficult situations even when we lack the resources we would prefer to have. Similarly, the instruction to "sway left when you're used to right" represents the idea of taking a new approach or trying something unconventional. Finally, the line "It's like a bomb, it's about to blow" creates a sense of urgency and excitement, suggesting that the experience of letting go and having fun will be explosive and exhilarating.
Overall, "Swing" is a catchy and energetic song that taps into the universal desire to let loose and have fun. The lyrics encourage listeners to take risks and step out of their comfort zones in order to experience new things and make the most of life. The song's metaphors and vivid language add depth and meaning to the upbeat party anthem.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen
Addressing the audience to introduce the upcoming song.
We're bringing this song straight to you
Presenting the intention of performing the song for the listeners directly.
With a beat that will make you move
Assuring the audience of the music's compelling rhythm that will invoke them to dance.
So if you feel it, listen
Encouraging the listeners to pay attention to the music and enjoy themselves.
You gotta walk a mile when you got no shoes
Challenging the audience to persevere despite a lack of resources.
You gotta solve the puzzle when there are no clues
Encouraging the audience to problem-solve even without apparent solutions.
You gotta throw your hands up when you don't want to
Urging the audience to express themselves through physical movement, even if they feel hesitant.
Shake yourself, wake up and make a little noise
Stimulating the audience to break out of their comfort zones and react energetically to the music.
You gotta say yeah
Encouraging the audience to affirm positive experiences and emotions.
Everything is alright
Reassuring the audience that everything will turn out fine.
When I'm in the spotlight
Expressing the importance of attention and recognition.
Swing, everybody swing (Let it all go, lose control)
Encouraging the audience to dance unrestrained and freely.
Swing, everybody swing (Make some noise at the top of your voice and just...)
Urging the audience to raise their voices and express themselves.
I wanna see everybody moving left to right
Expressing the desire for the audience to dance collectively, consistent with the song's rhythm.
Side to side, listen
Reiterating the type of dance the audience is supposed to perform.
Roll left when you're used to right
Encouraging the audience to move beyond the norms and try something different.
You gotta stand up when you used to sit tight
Prompting the audience to break away from their inhibitions.
Swing, everybody swing (All the way from the back to front...sing)
Encouraging all audience members to participate, no matter where they are located within the venue.
Swing, everybody swing (It's like a bomb, it's about to blow)
Intensifying the comparison to an explosive experience involving dancing.
Boom!
Supplementing the explosive reference
Swing, everybody swing (Shout it! C'mon! We got everything you want and need. It's like this...listen)
Encouraging the audience to scream and affirm the positivity of the experience. Further reiterating the song's benefits.
Swing, everybody swing (Take your fist and move it side to side)
Giving specific directions to audience members on how to dance.
Swing, everybody swing (All the way from the front to back)
Encouraging all audience members to participate, no matter where they are located within the venue.
Swing, everybody swing (It's like a bomb, it's about to blow)
Reiterating the idea of an explosive dancing experience.
Contributed by Lillian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.