Exit East's self-titled debut album brings out these passions in the form of catchy guitars, floor-shaking drums and groove-heavy bass lines that work as a team to create tight, unforgettable songs like "All of This."
Jason is an unabashed lover of great pop bands, from the Beatles to matchbox twenty, and says "We're huge fans of great hooks and strong writing." The members of the group wear their influences, like their hearts, on their sleeves, and they range from Train and Lifehouse to Switchfoot and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Producer Otto Price met Exit East at AtlantaFest where they won the festival's Artist Search contest in 2003. Though Otto is best-known for working with acts like Out of Eden, Grits and BarlowGirl, he turned out to be the producer to mesh with and help bring out the band members' individual strengths. "Otto can reach inside you and pull these things out of you that you didn't know were there," Jason says. "He takes you out of your little box and opens you up to all sorts of possibilities."
"I've worked with some great artists on every level of talent, and after being with these guys in the studio and out; they are the whole package! There will be no stopping Exit East. They have such a defining and interesting sound throughout their entire album that makes them the real deal," shares Otto.
Childhood friends, Little Leaguers, and now bandmates, Jason and Jon paired up and collaborated on eight of the album's 11 songs. Jason worked, until recently, as the assistant to the head of worship at Altanta's Westridge Church, a position that occasionally had him working with and learning from Third Day guitarist Brad Avery. The two have since become great friends.
"It's very important to remember where you are at all points in your lifeโgood, bad, ugly, beautiful," Jason says. "It's the path that God has put you on, and you weren't there for any other purpose but His."
All of This
Exit East Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All I have known and all I can say is, is this really You?
And is this my recompense for all my ignorance?
When will I see, what You see in me?
You are much more to me than the God I thought you to be
And through all of this, yeah, through all of this I see
That through all this You have always been with me
Every now and then looking at my sin
I try hard to say, what is and isn't true
Loosing all my sense, all in my defense
Finds me in a place being chased by You
You are much more to me than the God I thought you to be
And through all of this, yeah, through all of this I see
That through all this You have always been with me
Knocked out to the ground feeling like I'm going down
Looking for a place to land, hoping that it's in the sand
Knowing that I need You near, wishing that I wasn't here
Take me where I need to be, a place where I am not so weak
You are much more to me than the God I thought you to be
And through all of this, yeah, through all of this I see
That through all this You have always been with me
You are much more to me than the God I thought you to be
And through all of this, yeah, through all of this I see
That through all this You have always been with me
The song "All of This" by Exit East is a reflection on the singer's relationship with God and their own shortcomings. The opening lines, "Where has it gone? All I have known and all I can say is, is this really You?" suggest a sense of confusion and questioning of their faith. The singer wonders if what they have believed about God is really true, and if their struggles and difficulties are a result of their own lack of understanding.
The next lines, "And is this my recompense for all my ignorance? When will I see, what You see in me?" suggests that the singer feels they are being punished for their ignorance and lack of insight into God's plan for them. They are searching for enlightenment, and hoping to better understand themselves and their relationship with God.
The rest of the song describes the singer's struggles with sin and their attempts to resist temptation, ultimately finding comfort in the idea that God has always been with them, even in their darkest moments. The repeated line, "You are much more to me than the God I thought you to be" acknowledges the limitations of their previous understanding of God, and suggests a newfound appreciation for a deeper, more complex relationship with Him.
Overall, the song is a heartfelt expression of faith and humility, with universal themes that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their beliefs or struggled with their own flaws.
Line by Line Meaning
Where has it gone?
Questioning the disappearance of something familiar
All I have known and all I can say is, is this really You?
Doubting the authenticity of a familiar presence
And is this my recompense for all my ignorance?
Questioning the consequences of past actions
When will I see, what You see in me?
Desiring to understand oneself from another's perspective
You are much more to me than the God I thought you to be
Realizing a deeper understanding of a higher power
And through all of this, yeah, through all of this I see
Finding clarity despite confusion and doubt
That through all this You have always been with me
Recognizing a constant presence in one's life
Every now and then looking at my sin
Reflecting on past mistakes
I try hard to say, what is and isn't true
Struggling to distinguish reality from falsehood
Loosing all my sense, all in my defense
Becoming disoriented while trying to protect oneself
Finds me in a place being chased by You
Feeling pursued by a higher power
Knocked out to the ground feeling like I'm going down
Experiencing a sense of defeat
Looking for a place to land, hoping that it's in the sand
Desperately seeking stability in uncertain times
Knowing that I need You near, wishing that I wasn't here
Longing for guidance and direction
Take me where I need to be, a place where I am not so weak
Requesting support and strength to reach one's potential
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JASON FOUST, JASON ALAN FOUST, JON STANLEY, JON BARRY STANLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind