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 life—good, 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."
The Way You Are
Exit East Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up in my face, I try but can't escape
Verify the words you've given me, testify
I am weak but you are so strong
That's just the way, the way you are
Where is this place I've wondered far away?
Verify the words you've given me, testify
I am weak but you are so strong
That's just the way, the way you are
I can't see past the things
The things you've often told me
To watch and pray for night and day
That's why I need you know
Take me there somehow
Take me there somehow, yeah
Verify the words you've given me, testify
I am weak but you are so strong
That's just the way, the way you are
The lyrics of Exit East's song The Way You Are depict the struggle of the singer to escape the influence of sin and stay true to their faith. The opening lines "Sin comes to me in everything I see, up in my face, I try but can't escape" illustrate how sin seems to be omnipresent and inevitable. Despite the singer's attempts to avoid it, sin appears to be constantly in their line of vision.
The chorus "I am weak but you are so strong, that's just the way, the way you are" highlights the singer's reliance on their faith to help them overcome the threat of sin. They acknowledge their own weakness and draw strength from their faith. The second verse "When I am me, I fail so naturally, where is this place I've wondered far away?" suggests that the singer may struggle to be true to themselves and their beliefs. They may feel like they get lost in the chaos of the world and their own imperfections.
The song ultimately acknowledges that the singer needs their faith to guide them through life. They recognize that they can't see past the things they've been told without their faith and that they need it to stay on the right path. The final lines "Take me there somehow, take me there somehow, yeah. Verify the words you've given me, testify" show the singer's desire for guidance and strength from their faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Sin comes to me in everything I see
Every aspect of life is tainted by sin and its influence on me.
Up in my face, I try but can't escape
Despite my attempts to avoid sin, it persists and confronts me head-on.
Verify the words you've given me, testify
Confirm and authenticate the teachings and guidance that have been provided to me.
I am weak but you are so strong
I acknowledge my own vulnerability and limitations, and recognize the strength and power of the divine.
That's just the way, the way you are
This contrast in strength and weakness is simply a reflection of the innate nature of God and humanity.
When I am me, I fail so naturally
On my own, my inherent flaws and imperfections cause me to stumble and fall.
Where is this place I've wondered far away?
I feel lost and disconnected from the truth and meaning of life.
I can't see past the things
My vision and understanding are clouded by distractions and worldly concerns.
The things you've often told me
The guidance and wisdom that has been repeatedly shared with me.
To watch and pray for night and day
To maintain a constant vigilance and communication with the divine, without rest or interruption.
That's why I need you now
Recognizing my own inadequacy and need for spiritual support and guidance.
Take me there somehow
A plea to be led towards spiritual enlightenment and understanding.
Take me there somehow, yeah
Reinforcement of the desire to be guided towards truth and meaning.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JASON FOUST, JASON ALAN FOUST, JON STANLEY, JON BARRY STANLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind