The music is self-produced in a small home studio, and combines guitar and bass with a variety of electronic instruments that together form uniqely expansive, atmospheric, and story-driven songs.
The band consists of Corey Ehmke (vocals, guitar, dulcimer, synthesizers, and production) and Kevin Chatham (bass, guitar, and violin), and is based in the Chicago area.
More information is available at www.dustandashadow.com. You can also follow the band on Twitter at twitter.com/dustandashadow/.
Outside
Dust and a Shadow Lyrics
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A vicious cycle without end
Seeking distance for security
A desperate act to remain free
A balance point cannot be found
This whole thing will come crashing down
Down! Down!
Into this world that i create
Your love for me has sealed your fate
Down! Down!
My fear will drag you down
Can I trust in what i feel?
Praying that this time it's real
Feel the strain!
All this times been spent in vain, MY SHAME!
open wounds that still remain, DECAY!
As my faith is stripped away, YOU'LL STRAY!
The final price I have to pay
Digging in deeper still
The hollowness I yearn to fill
The story always ends the same
The cycle soon begins again
Stepping outside the circle!
The lyrics of Dust and a Shadow's song "Outside" explore themes of fear, insecurity, and the struggle to break free from unhealthy patterns. The opening lines express a sense of resignation and hopelessness, describing a "vicious cycle without end." The singer acknowledges their own desperate attempts to find security, but ultimately cannot find a "balance point." The repetition of "down" emphasizes the sense of inevitability and impending doom. The singer fears that their own flaws and insecurities will drag down their loved ones - "Your love for me has sealed your fate."
The second verse highlights the intensity of the struggle, with the use of phrases like "Feel the strain!" and "decaying" open wounds. Despite this pain and turmoil, the singer still hopes for something real and meaningful - "Praying that this time it's real." However, they also recognize the inevitability of falling back into negative patterns - "The story always ends the same, the cycle soon begins again."
The chorus takes a different turn, with the singer declaring their intention to "step outside the circle." This marks a turning point in the song, as the singer expresses a desire to break free from these patterns and find a new way forward. However, the repetition of the word "still" in the final lines suggests that this struggle is ongoing and may not be easily overcome.
Overall, the lyrics of "Outside" paint a vivid picture of the struggle to break free from negative patterns and find true security and happiness. The repeated use of words like "down" and "decay" create a sense of claustrophobia and despair, while the chorus suggests a glimmer of hope and potential for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go again
I am embarking on the same self-destructive pattern as before
A vicious cycle without end
My behavior repeats itself in a harmful way with no resolution
Seeking distance for security
I am attempting to distance myself from others as a way to feel safe
A desperate act to remain free
I am resorting to extremes to maintain my sense of independence
A balance point cannot be found
I cannot find a middle ground or compromise in my actions
This whole thing will come crashing down
Eventually, my behavior will lead to disastrous consequences
My fear will drag you down
My anxieties and negative patterns will negatively impact those around me
Into this world that i create
I am responsible for the negative environment that surrounds me
Your love for me has sealed your fate
Your affection for me will ultimately lead to your downfall
Can I trust in what i feel?
I am doubting my emotions and ability to make good decisions
Praying that this time it's real
I am hoping that this time my positive intentions will lead to actual change
Feel the strain!
I am under significant emotional pressure and stress
All this times been spent in vain, MY SHAME!
My past actions have been fruitless and are a source of embarrassment
Open wounds that still remain, DECAY!
My emotional scars are still present and causing damage
As my faith is stripped away, YOU'LL STRAY!
As I lose my sense of hope and belief, you will be pushed away from me
The final price I have to pay
I will eventually have to face the negative consequences of my actions
Digging in deeper still
I am continuing to repeat my negative behaviors despite knowing better
The hollowness I yearn to fill
I am attempting to fill an emotional void within myself
The story always ends the same
My negative patterns always lead me down the same path
The cycle soon begins again
I am continuing to repeat the same negative cycle of behavior
Stepping outside the circle!
I am finally making a change and attempting to break free from my negative patterns
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BRIAN FAIR, JASON BITTNER, JONATHAN DONAIS, MATTHEW BACHAND, PAUL ROMANKO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind