Focused was a hardcore punk band that w… Read Full Bio ↴Spirit-filled hardcore band.
Focused was a hardcore punk band that was based out of Long Beach, California in the United States. The band formed in 1990 with the lineup of Tim Mann on Vocals, John Schoettler on Guitars, Jeff Boetto on Guitars, Matt Archuleta on Bass and Al Christensen on Drums. Over the years, the lineup shifted several times, with Mann being the only constant.
Origins and Bow (1990-1993)
Focused began in 1990 with the lineup of Vocalist Tim Mann, Guitarists John Schoettler and Jeff Boetto, and Bassist Matt Archuleta. David Shoemaker filled in on Drums for the first show the band played before Al Christensen took over the position. Early on the band recorded two different demos, including Situation Within and Eternity's Gate.[1] In 1992, Boetto and Archuleta departed from the band, being replaced by Mike Merryman and Dirk Lemmenes respectively.
In 1993, Jason Parker joined the band as a fill-in Guitarist for Merryman, who was unable to make it to the show. Schoettler departed pretty soon afterward, with Parker joining alongside Merryman. The lineup consisting of Mann, Merryman, Parker, Lemmenes, and Christensen wrote and recorded their debut album, Bow, which came out through Tooth & Nail Records.
The Hope That Lies Within and breakup (1994-1996)
In 1994, the band again saw lineup changes, with Parker and Christensen both departing from the band. Andrew Reizuch joined the band as a Guitarist and Chris Bowden joined on Drums.[2] Now, in addition to Reizuch and Bowden, the band - along with Mann, Merryman, and Lemmenes - who had already grown to a high status in the scene, began to work on their sophomore release.
In 1995, the band recorded and released The Hope That Lies Within, which also came out through Tooth & Nail Records. In 1996, the band disbanded and went their separate ways.[2] Lemmenes went on to perform with a project called Stavesacre alongside former members of The Crucified, Chatterbox, Scaterd Few and The Blamed, while most of the others remained musically inactive.
Reunion EP, Second Reunion, and shows (2000-2009)
In 2000, Focused reunited with the best-known lineup of Mann, Merryman, Lemmenes, another former member as well as new Drummer Adam Valles. With the lineup, the band recorded an EP, which featured three tracks - "War", "Angels and Demons", and "Grace". The band broke up a year later in 2001. The EP was later released in 2008 through Indie Vision Music as a free MP3 download[3] and later again in 2016.[4] In 2009, the band reunited again with Mann, Merryman, Parker, Lemmenes, and former Project 86 Drummer Alex Albert to perform on a couple shows with Living Sacrifice and Demon Hunter.[5] Following the shows, there was a debate as to whether the band would play more shows or not, which were addressed in 2014. In 2019, Steadfast Records re-released Eternity's Gate as At Eternity's Gate, as well as a music video of old footage being released.
Empty
Focused Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These different ways
This change that’s taking place
And the knowledge that I know now
And I am a part of this
And I will do all that I can
The free gift that is given to me
And I, I must deny myself
So why am I left here
When my questions run so deep
To separate myself
How can we rest as we watch it fall
Continuing to drown
The time is less
Reaching through the darkness
And there is nothing left
It is not to be forgotten
Or to be left behind
My soul’s driving me to what’s found
And I’m not blind
The direction coming from within
No one’s to blame
My soul’s not empty
Ignited with flame
I just won’t take it standing still
Given a second chance
It’s not empty
My flesh I kill
My flesh I kill
Continuing to drown
The time is less
Reaching through the darkness
And there is nothing left
It is not to be forgotten
Or to be left behind
My soul is driving me to what’s found
And I’m not blind
I see the direction coming from within
No one to blame
My soul’s not empty
Ignited, ignited, ignited, ignited
Ignited, ignited, ignited, ignited with blame
The song "Empty" by Focused, is a reflection on change and self-discovery. The lyrics suggest that the artist has undergone profound changes, and has come to understand the importance of self-denial, and the value of the free gift that has been given to him. He has come to the realization that his soul is not empty, and that it is driving him towards something he has found.
The lyrics suggest that the artist has been struggling with deep questions and it has led him to feel that he must separate himself from something deeper. He is "continuing to drown" and feels that time is running out. Despite this, he is driven by the direction that is coming from within his own soul, and is not looking to blame anyone for his struggles. Instead, he has been ignited, and his flesh is being killed as he moves towards this inner calling.
The repetition of the phrase "Ignited, ignited, ignited" suggests that the artist is being fueled by his inner flame, and that it is driving him forward. In the end, the message seems to be one of self-discovery, self-denial, and self-knowledge. The artist has come to a place of understanding, and is determined to pursue his inner calling, even if it means facing his deepest fears and struggles head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
I will accept this
I am willing to accept change and different ways of doing things.
These different ways
I am acknowledging the existence of other methods and routes.
This change that’s taking place
I am aware of the changes that are happening.
And the knowledge that I know now
I have gained knowledge that I can use moving forward.
And I am a part of this
I am part of the change and willing to do my part.
And I will do all that I can
I am willing to put forth effort to make a difference.
The free gift that is given to me
I acknowledge and appreciate the gifts I have been given.
For I am strong and I will stand
I am strong and will hold my ground.
And I, I must deny myself
I must allow myself to let go of certain things.
So why am I left here
I am questioning my current situation.
When my questions run so deep
My questions go beyond surface level.
To separate myself
I feel the need to distance myself from something/someone.
How can we rest as we watch it fall
We shouldn't be complacent when things are falling apart.
Continuing to drown
I am feeling overwhelmed and lost.
The time is less
Time is running out.
Reaching through the darkness
I am trying to find my way through a difficult situation.
And there is nothing left
Everything has been exhausted or used up.
It is not to be forgotten
Something important should not be disregarded.
Or to be left behind
Something should not be abandoned or neglected.
My soul’s driving me to what’s found
My inner self is guiding me towards what I need.
And I’m not blind
I am aware of what's going on around me.
The direction coming from within
I am finding guidance and direction internally.
No one’s to blame
No one is at fault.
My soul’s not empty
My inner self is fulfilled and purposeful.
Ignited with flame
My passions are ignited and I am motivated.
I just won’t take it standing still
I will not remain stagnant.
Given a second chance
I appreciate having another opportunity.
My flesh I kill
I am overcoming my physical desires and impulses.
Continuing to drown
The feeling of being overwhelmed persists.
The time is less
Time is scarce.
Reaching through the darkness
Still trying to find my way through a difficult situation.
And there is nothing left
All options have been exhausted.
It is not to be forgotten
Something important should not be overlooked.
Or to be left behind
Important things should not be abandoned or forgotten.
My soul is driving me to what’s found
My inner self is guiding me towards something meaningful.
And I’m not blind
I am aware of what is truly important.
I see the direction coming from within
I have found my own guidance and direction.
No one to blame
There is no one at fault for my situation.
My soul’s not empty
I have found fulfillment and purpose.
Ignited, ignited, ignited, ignited
My passions have been sparked and are burning strong.
Ignited with flame
I am motivated and driven towards my goals.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOLORES MARY O'RIORDAN, NOEL ANTHONY HOGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind