Following a collection of self-produced early material and a noteworthy appearance at Austin's South by Southwest in 2002, the 2004 self-titled Crosstide EP sold out of 1000 copies immediate following it's release. One of the key songs from the EP, “Talk Radio,” was added at KNRK, Oregon's largest commercial alternative radio station, making Crosstide the first unsigned act in regular rotation there in nearly a decade and positioning them as a breakthrough act for early 2006. "Talk Radio" recieved airplay on other stations, as well, including Seattle's KNDD "The End". A second song from the EP, "Making Friends" also enjoyed regular airplay on KNRK.
In early 2005, Crosstide joined the Slowdance label. They've finally arrived with their debut full-length, Life as a Spectator, produced by Jake Portrait in September 2005. Recorded in a remote cabin in rural Washington State, Life as a Spectator is the result of months of isolated, focused songwriting. Combining elements of post-punk, early emo, 80’s pop sensibility, and the varied influences of Crosstide’s contemporaries, Life as a Spectator connects the dots between two and a half decades in a way that is exciting, accessible and honest. Bret Vogel’s unmistakable voice, infectious melodies and thoughtful lyrics atop a sly, offbeat rhythm section forge a masterfully structured debut album.
Crosstide contributed to the Elliott Smith tribute album "To Elliott, from Portland", released in Feb 2006, with a cover of Elliott's "Angeles".
Recently, Crosstide has shared the stage with the likes of The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Nada Surf, Jimmy Eat World, Jens Leckman, The Lashes, Jem, Spoon, Louis XIV and the Velvet Teen.
Crosstide's rare ability to intertwine dramatic balladry and stadium-ready anthems demonstrate a band well beyond their years. Featuring Bret Vogel (vocals, guitar) Rian Lewis (guitar, vocals), Matt Henderson (drums, programming) and Erick Alley (bass), the band has recently added keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter Bryan Free to the mix. Bryan is a long time friend of the band and his entry to the group has provided them with a renewed sense of vitality.
The band has just returned from an extended stay in southern California, playing a lot of shows and recording new demo material.
High Wire
Crosstide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your hands get in the way,
Block the light and leave you left cold and alone,
I don't ever want to wake up the way you did that day,
Holding sheets over the hole in your heart,
Wait your life alone
As if some sudden streak of luck would set things right,
Hanging there,
Baby I saw you there
Tripping on awkward words like your mouth was full,
All my fear I know that it won't compare,
To living your high wire life like the line that would hold,
Powerless I can't help you out you stay in bed all day,
Please admit that it might not be your fault,
Try so hard to prove myself that we just don't compare,
To living your high hire life like the line that would hold,
You try so hard to hold up the sun,
Your hands get in the way,
Would you even know who you are,
If you just let go,
Hanging there
Baby I saw you there
Tripping on awkward's words like you mouth was full,
But all my fear you know that it won't compare,
To living your high wire life like you'd never fall
In "High Wire" by Crosstide, the lyrics describe someone who is constantly trying to hold onto the sun, which serves as a metaphor for their desire for success and happiness. However, their efforts only cause them to block the light and leave them feeling empty and alone. The lyrics also touch on the idea of constantly searching for something that will make everything right, only to be let down time and time again. Despite this, the singer of the song expresses a deep concern for this person who is living their life on a high wire, always on the brink of falling.
The song seems to be an ode to the struggles of those who are constantly striving to be better and achieve their dreams, even if that means putting themselves in precarious positions. The lyrics suggest that this type of life can be isolating and exhausting, leaving the person feeling stuck and unable to move forward. The singer's empathy and compassion for this person shines through in the lines "Please admit that it might not be your fault" and "Would you even know who you are, if you just let go". Ultimately, the lyrics offer a message of hope and understanding, acknowledging the challenges that come with living a high wire life while also encouraging the listener to let go of their fears and embrace the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
You try so hard to hold the sun,
You are trying your best to grasp something that is beyond your reach.
Your hands get in the way,
Your efforts are hindering the outcome instead of helping it.
Block the light and leave you left cold and alone,
Your attempts are causing more harm than good and you feel isolated and dejected.
I don't ever want to wake up the way you did that day,
I do not want to experience the same sense of loss and despair that you felt.
Holding sheets over the hole in your heart,
You are trying to cope with your emotional pain by covering it up.
Wait your life alone
You are resigned to a lifetime of solitude.
As if some sudden streak of luck would set things right,
You are hoping that a chance event will magically resolve your problems.
And every time you think that its there it doesn't hold,
Your hopes are constantly dashed as things never turn out the way you expect.
Hanging there,
You are stuck in a state of uncertainty and insecurity.
Baby I saw you there
I witnessed your struggles firsthand.
Tripping on awkward words like your mouth was full,
You are struggling to articulate your thoughts and feelings.
All my fear I know that it won't compare,
My anxieties and worries pale in comparison to what you are going through.
To living your high wire life like the line that would hold,
You are living your life precariously, like walking on a tightrope.
Powerless I can't help you out you stay in bed all day,
I feel helpless to assist you and you are immobilized by your struggles.
Please admit that it might not be your fault,
You may not be responsible for your situation and it is okay to seek help.
Try so hard to prove myself that we just don't compare,
I am trying to measure up to your expectations but we are fundamentally different.
Would you even know who you are,
You may have lost sight of your identity in the midst of your struggles.
If you just let go,
If you release your grip on your problems, you may find some relief.
Hanging there
You are still in a state of uncertainty and insecurity.
Baby I saw you there
I am aware of your struggles and empathize with your pain.
Tripping on awkward's words like you mouth was full,
You still have difficulty communicating your thoughts and feelings.
But all my fear you know that it won't compare,
My fears are nothing compared to the struggles you endure.
To living your high wire life like you'd never fall
You are navigating a risky and uncertain path but you are determined not to falter.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: COLIN JAMES HAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind