Upon his departure from the label, Dustin started a new chapter of his music career by recording his first independent solo EP, "Learn How To Love Someone". The record was engineered and produced by close friend Chris Keene, of the band Surrogate, and mixed by John Goodmanson, (Death Cab, Brandi Carlile, Nada Surf, Rocky Votolato, Owl City). "Learn How To Love Someone" was released in June of 2010 and has already begun to bring Dustin Ruth some recognition. Within weeks of release he was picked as Portland's Deli Magazine's "Artist of the Month". In addition, several tracks on the record have been licensed by MTV for use in the second season of their popular Teen Mom 2 series.
One listen through Dustin's record, "Learn How To Love Someone", and it's obvious the word "love", is being used in a much broader way than simply referring to romance. "Parables" covers a more personal side of Dustin's childhood, referring to his mothers advice growing up. "Life's Not Fair" takes a swing at government through a dream. "Don't give up" is a round-a-bout, playful, apology that is left open to interpretation, and the opening track "Honey" is the traditional love song we all can be a sucker for at times.
Dustin Ruth continues to write and record his songs and has plans on releasing more music this year (2011).
Lost Without You
Dustin Ruth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or is this really real
'Cause I have lost all feeling
From my fingers to my heels
And nobody knows it
Oh please don't give up on me
You said you'd be there when I'm tired and weak
Oh please don't give up on me
But I'm lost without you
Lost without you
Lost without you by my side
Where am I supposed to go
When I got no place to be
Who am I supposed to hold
When there's no one left but me
Can't you see
Oh please don't give up on me
You said you'd be there when I'm tired and weak
Oh please don't give up on me
You said you'd be the light when I can't see
And I'm lost without you
Lost without you
Lost without you by my side
And I'm lost without you
Lost without you
Lost without you day and night
And I'm too tired to fight
And when I do arrive
Will you be there by the gate
And will you recognize me
Even though my face is aged
'Cause I will listen for your voice
And it will lead me to your hand
And we will walk together
This is where forever begins
No you never did give up on me
You were there when I was tired and weak
No you never did give up on me
You were there when I could not see
And you're right here with me
Right here with me
Right here with me by your side
And you're right here with me
Right here with me
Right here with me day and night
And there's no need to fight
In Dustin Ruth's song Lost Without You, the lyrics express the singer's feeling of being lost and helpless without the person they love by their side. The opening lines question whether the situation is just a dream or a painful reality. However, the overwhelming sense of numbness that the singer is experiencing from their fingers to their heels is making them question their own reality. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and hopelessness as the singer is lost without their partner who has promised to be there for them even at their weakest moments.
As the song progresses, the lyrics convey the singer's inability to find a place to go or a person to hold onto. They plead with their partner not to give up on them, as they are tired and weak, and unable to go on without their support. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency as the singer repeats the line "lost without you" several times, emphasizing their dire need for their partner's presence.
In the final verse, the lyrics take on a more optimistic tone as the singer envisions their eventual reunion with their partner. The lyrics suggest that despite the passage of time, their partner will recognize them, and they will walk together into forever. The song ends on a hopeful note as the singer acknowledges their partner's unwavering support and how they are right here with them, by their side, whenever they need them.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this just a dream
Questioning whether the current reality is just a surreal experience
Or is this really real
Doubting the existence of reality
'Cause I have lost all feeling
Emphasizing the loss of sensation in the body
From my fingers to my heels
Indicating the lack of sensitivity throughout the entire body
And nobody knows it
Feeling isolated and not understood by others
Oh please don't give up on me
Begging someone to not abandon or leave when feeling vulnerable
You said you'd be there when I'm tired and weak
Recalling a promise for support and care in times of exhaustion and weakness
You said you'd be the light when I can't see
Referencing the assurance of help during a period of confusion or distress
But I'm lost without you
Feeling disoriented without the support of the addressed person
Lost without you
Reiterating the feeling of been lost
Lost without you by my side
Longing for the presence of the person being addressed
Where am I supposed to go
Questioning where to find direction or guidance without the addressed person
When I got no place to be
Feeling hopeless or without a destination
Who am I supposed to hold
Wondering who to seek comfort or closeness from in times of loneliness
When there's no one left but me
Implying a state of isolation or feeling alone
Can't you see
Asking for understanding or perception
And I'm too tired to fight
Feeling exhausted and without the energy to resist or struggle
And when I do arrive
Assuming the possibility of finding a destination or solution
Will you be there by the gate
Expressing the desire for the addressed person to be present upon arriving
And will you recognize me
Asking if the addressed person will still acknowledge and perceive them the same way despite possible changes or aging
Even though my face is aged
Not hiding from the possibility of change and aging over time
'Cause I will listen for your voice
Depicting a safe haven or guidance from the addressed person
And it will lead me to your hand
Following the lead of the addressed person towards comfort and security
And we will walk together
Imagining a united path towards a shared future
This is where forever begins
Perceiving a new beginning and a long-lasting journey
No you never did give up on me
Acknowledging the steadfastness and loyalty of the addressed person
You were there when I was tired and weak
Recalling instances of support during weak or vulnerable moments
No you never did give up on me
Reiterating previous line in showing gratitude and appreciation
You were there when I could not see
Recalling instances of guidance or assistance during confusing times
And you're right here with me
Feeling the presence and comfort of the addressed person
Right here with me
Repeating the previous line for emphasis
Right here with me by your side
Feeling secure with the presence of the addressed person beside them
Right here with me day and night
Feeling the constant support and guidance of the addressed person
And there's no need to fight
Feeling calm and relaxed without any conflict or struggle
Contributed by Owen R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.