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.
The Way It Should Be
Cross Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This life is harder than it seems
What goes up comes down
But I've found that in my heart I know you never change
It started out just fine
I might have fallen along the way
But I still see the finish line
This race I've never won
Nothing I could say would help to paint a picture of the life I've made
I've built myself into a corner
Nothing I could do could carry me through
Hey! There goes another day
Another chance to go take my life back
Or stay to find myself
To see the truth in front of me
To change my destiny
Just like I'd never felt the sun on my face fade away
What can I do to get back to you, the way it should be?
Nothing good comes free
It's always the same thing
I put too much trust in me
Honesty's not easy
But your patience always mesmerizes me
Lately I've been thinking where did I go wrong
Think about the times I've fallen down
You're there to pick me up
Think about the times I've hit the ground so hard
And you still love me
The lyrics convey the struggles of trying to make it on one's own in life. The first line, "It cost me everything to do it on my own" sets the tone for the rest of the song. Being self-sufficient and independent may seem like the way to go, but it is not an easy path. The second line, "This life is harder than it seems" emphasizes the challenges that come with trying to make it without any help.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that life is a constant battle with ups and downs. "What goes up comes down" is a simple yet profound statement that reminds us that success is not linear. The next line, "But I've found that in my heart I know you never change" suggests that the person singing has faith in something constant, and this provides strength in the face of difficulties.
The last verse talks about acceptance and taking responsibility for one's actions. "Nothing I could say would help to paint a picture of the life I've made" suggests that there is a recognition that one is solely responsible for one's life. The line "Nothing I could do could carry me through" indicates that even though one has to take responsibility for their life, they cannot do it alone. Lastly, the song finishes with a hopeful message of changing one's destiny and getting back to the way things should be.
Line by Line Meaning
It cost me everything to do it on my own
Doing things alone is never easy, and I know the sacrifices that come with independence.
This life is harder than it seems
The life I have chosen is full of challenges that are impossible to predict or prepare for.
What goes up comes down
Even the good times are temporary, and I must be prepared for changes that may come.
But I've found that in my heart I know you never change
I believe in the consistency of your character and know I can rely on you always.
It started out just fine
In the beginning, everything felt easy and fun.
I might have fallen along the way
I have stumbled and made mistakes that set me back or made things harder.
But I still see the finish line
Regardless of past mistakes, I still have hope for achieving success if I keep pushing forward.
This race I've never won
This competition or life journey has always felt like an uphill battle and never-ending struggle.
Leaves me wondering can I accept what I've become
I question if I can come to terms with the person I have become, and if it's too late to change or fix things.
Nothing I could say would help to paint a picture of the life I've made
The life I've lived is complicated and challenging to explain to others or myself.
I've built myself into a corner
I've painted myself into a tight corner, with seemingly no way out or forward.
Nothing I could do could carry me through
Despite my efforts to find solutions, I find myself stuck and unable to move forward.
Hey! There goes another day
Time is fleeting, and I must make the most of the opportunities presented to me each day.
Another chance to go take my life back
Every new day presents another opportunity to take control of my life and make the most of it.
Or stay to find myself
Alternatively, I can use time to find myself and gain a deeper understanding of who I am and what I want from life.
To see the truth in front of me
I want to be honest with myself and see things clearly, even if it's hard to face or accept.
To change my destiny
I have the power to change the course of my life and shape it into something meaningful and fulfilling.
Just like I'd never felt the sun on my face fade away
I long for a sense of joy and warmth that has been absent from my life for too long.
What can I do to get back to you, the way it should be?
I want to reconnect with you and make things right, so we can find happiness and stability together.
Nothing good comes free
I know that anything worth having takes hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to achieve.
It's always the same thing
The path to success is always hard and full of obstacles that must be overcome.
I put too much trust in me
I have a tendency to rely too heavily on my own abilities and often overlook the importance of seeking help or support from others.
Honesty's not easy
It can be difficult to admit and confront the truth about myself and the choices I've made.
But your patience always mesmerizes me
I am grateful for your unwavering support and patience, even when I struggle or lose my way.
Lately I've been thinking where did I go wrong
I am reflecting on my past choices and actions, trying to pinpoint the moments where I deviated from the right path.
Think about the times I've fallen down
I reflect on the times when I have failed or struggled, and remember how you have helped me get back up each time.
You're there to pick me up
I am grateful for your support when I stumble, and the reassurance that I am not alone in my struggles.
Think about the times I've hit the ground so hard
I remember moments where the challenges felt insurmountable and almost knocked me off my feet.
And you still love me
Despite my imperfections and failures, you continue to love and support me, and that gives me strength to keep going.
Contributed by Amelia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kathleen Morrison
Thank you for the beautiful talk. I am going to be sharing it with my students this term:)
Ali Syarief - Cross Culture Institute
I fully understood what she lectured. It was not important to understand verbally but then we have to understand essentially the meaning was. Thank you
Pang Lilla
Absolutely needed especially todayâs world, the world after the pandemic and the world is still having the War todayâŚ
Muhammad Amir
today is my life's first interview and they told me that i must be prepared about the given topic that is cross cultuređ
Tatiana Castro
Great! Your speaking is an enrichment. đ¤
A O
"Gerber" means vomit in French, not Spanish. It is possible that might have affected sales in Latin America as she says, but not because gerber is a common word in Spanish
Nairobi Santiago
Looking for this, even her pronunciation sounds French
CA MA
The countries are right next to each other, some parts influence each other.
Christopher Conley
Great information. Thank you.
Leema Bernad Viji
The word âswastikaâ is a Sanskrit word (âsvasktikaâ) meaning âIt isâ, âWell Beingâ, âGood Existence, and âGood Luckâ.