EarlyRise is a dynamic and genre-defying rock band that has already left an… Read Full Bio ↴EarlyRise is a dynamic and genre-defying rock band that has already left an indelible mark on the music scene since its formation in 2011.

The group is characterized by its distinctive blend of alternative rock, metal, and electronic and ethnic elements. Led by their vocalist, Orly Lari, EarlyRise's music is a powerful fusion of emotive, though provoking lyrics and captivating melodies.

The band's breakthrough came with their debut album, "What If," which garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Songs like "Wasteland" and "Old Friend" showcased their ability to craft deeply introspective and emotionally charged music.
“Wasteland” was also featured in “Rocksmith 2014”, making EarlyRise the only unsigned artist to ever be included in the learn-to-play-guitar video game.

EarlyRise's subsequent albums, including "Colors" (2015) and "Home" (2023), have continued to push boundaries, evolve their sound and explore various genres, making the band a standout presence in contemporary rock music.

What If
EarlyRise Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let's say
I fell into place, I feel much better
I don't remember a thing
Would it make you think of me as normal again?

Let's say
I found a way to climb up this ladder
Won't stay down here for long

Would it make me worthy in your eyes?

You act as if you have no weaknesses
I'm sorry I'm not perfect like you

What if
I went and told everyone my story
And how you treated me?
Would it make you feel ashamed?

No, I'm not being sarcastic
Would you like me to erase
Who I am, where I came from
What you did to me?

You act as if you have no weaknesses
I'm sorry I'm not perfect like you
Don't you get tired of wearing your mask?
I'm sorry I'm not careless like you

No, I'm not being revengeful
Just trying to find out
Who you are, where you came from
What I did to you

You act as if you have no weaknesses
I'm sorry I'm not perfect like you

Don't you get tired of wearing your mask?
I'm sorry I'm not careless like you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "What If" by EarlyRise express the desire of someone who has been mistreated by another person to either regain their approval or seek revenge. The singer is asking whether they would be accepted as "normal" again if they were to simply forget what happened and move on. They also express the desire to climb the ladder of success and become worthy in the eyes of the person who hurt them. However, the singer is aware that the other person is not perfect either and questions whether they will ever drop their "mask" of flawlessness.

The second half of the song expresses a more direct desire for revenge or at least justice. The singer questions what would happen if they were to reveal to others how they were mistreated and make the other person feel ashamed. They also reject the idea that they should simply forget what happened and erase their past. The singer wants to know who their abuser really is and what they did wrong, contrasting this with the other person's attempt to present themselves as faultless and "careless."

Overall, the song highlights the complexity of relationships where one person abuses or mistreats another. The singer's desire to be accepted or seek revenge is understandable, but also shows how much the other person's approval still matters to them. The final lines are particularly striking, as the singer acknowledges their own imperfection while at the same time rejecting the idea that they should strive to be just like their abuser.

Line by Line Meaning

Let's say I fell into place, I feel much better I don't remember a thing Would it make you think of me as normal again?
Suppose I managed to get my life together and move on from the past, would that make you view me as someone who is no longer broken or abnormal?

Let's say I found a way to climb up this ladder Won't stay down here for long Would it make me worthy in your eyes?
Suppose I found a way to better my situation and rise above my circumstances, would that make me more valuable or deserving of your approval?

You act as if you have no weaknesses I'm sorry I'm not perfect like you
You pretend to be invulnerable and flawless, but I'm sorry I am not as perfect as you are or act like I am.

What if I went and told everyone my story And how you treated me? Would it make you feel ashamed?
What if I shared my experiences with others and revealed the way you treated me, would it lead to you feeling guilty and remorseful?

No, I'm not being sarcastic Would you like me to erase Who I am, where I came from What you did to me?
No, I am not being insincere. Do you wish I could forget my identity, my roots or the hurt you caused me?

Don't you get tired of wearing your mask? I'm sorry I'm not careless like you
Do you not ever feel drained pretending to be something or someone you're not? I apologize for not being as reckless or thoughtless as you.

No, I'm not being revengeful Just trying to find out Who you are, where you came from What I did to you
No, I am not seeking retribution. I am just attempting to understand who you really are, your origins, and what I might have done to upset you.

Contributed by Ethan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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