John Payne, Guthrie Govan, Jay Schellen and Ryo Okumoto. All four men have left their mark indelibly stamped on the music world. John Payne joined venerable rock legends ASIA back in 1991 after John Wetton’s final departure. Over the next 15 years, John would lead Asia through some of their most critically and fan acclaimed works. All this culminated with the highly successful “Silent Nation” album in 2004 and the subsequent world tour. “Silent Nation” was the most successful Asia release since the bands heady career highs of the early 1980s.
Guthrie Govan has been a prodigy on the strings since he was a small boy. He is one of the most respected musicians in guitar circles today. He joined Asia in 2001 during the recording sessions for their “Aura” album. His distinctive style has left his signature on the tracks from Asia’s “Aura” and “Silent Nation” releases. Guthrie’s string wizardry has thrilled fans across the world as he lent his talents to Asia classics old and new to hungry audiences everywhere.
Jay Schellen first burst onto the scene in the early 80s, lending his considerable talents to such notable bands as Hurricane, Bad Finger and most recently Asia. He also was a major part of the “Conspiracy” project head up by Chris Squire (Yes) and Billy Sherwood (Yes). Jay has also lent his skills to a formidable list of projects that have shown his incredible diversity and adaptability in the drumming field. John Payne first met Jay during the writing sessions for Asia’s “Silent Nation” album. From the first demos, it was clear that Jay was a force to be reckoned with. And in 2005 when the Asia drum throne became vacant, John’s first call was to Jay. His dynamic playing took the second half of the Asia world tour and elevated it to the next level.
Ryo Okumoto’s resume reads like a who’s who of the music world. Besides his ever present role as keyboardist in prog rock favorites, Spock’s Beard, Ryo has lent his considerable talents to many recording and live projects. Rock legends like Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and many, many more have called on Ryo’s magic fingers. His distinctive style was a welcome addition to the GPS sound.
With all the pieces in place, these four power houses of musical talent joined forces under the banner GPS. With the music firmly rooted in the prog sensibilities that defined many of their individual projects, GPS has taken all of their contributions and raised the bar. From the invigorating guitar solos contributed by Guthrie to the rock steady beats brought to bear by Jay, the music marks a new era for all of these talented musicians. John Payne’s vocals have never sounded better and Ryo’s keyboards somehow tie the whole thing into the potent musical brew that is GPS. Welcome to the future.
Since You've Been Gone
Gps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no other season, it will never change
Caught within a circle, a never ending page
You alone did move it all, the journey had to end
Standing in the rain, the scars will never mend
Since you've been gone, I'm feeling so strong
Since you've been gone, The line is now drawn
Since you've been gone, since you've been gone
Waking from a winter, I see a promised land
Rocks of salt are diamonds, safe within my hand
Now the snow has melted, All will be revealed
Take away the chains, Take away the shield
Since you've been gone, I'm feeling so strong
Since you've been gone, The line is now drawn
Since you've been gone, I will carry on
Since you've been gone, Were no longer as one
Since you've been gone
Still I'm free,
You'll never understand, you'll never understand
Since you've been gone
Since you've been gone, I'm feeling so strong
Since you've been gone, How can we move as one
Since you've been gone, gone
Since you've been gone, gone
The lyrics of "Since You've been Gone" by GPS describe the process of moving on after a relationship ends. The opening lines of the song depict a drought or prolonged absence of rain as a metaphor for the feeling of emptiness when a lover leaves. The phrase "caught within a circle, a never-ending page" suggests that the relationship was stuck in a cycle of repetition and it took the leaving of one for the other to move on. The line "you alone did move it all, the journey had to end" implies that the person speaking has realized that the relationship could not have been saved and it is time to move on. The physicality of "standing in the rain" further emphasizes the pain and sorrow that was felt during the breakup.
The chorus of "Since You've Been Gone" further demonstrates the strength the singer feels since their significant other left. It is evident that separation has drawn a line between them, and it's time to move on. The second verse of the song is the singer's moment of clarity after the heartbreak. The line "rocks of salt are diamonds, safe within my hand" means that the discomfort felt after the breakup is a necessary part of life that builds character and makes one stronger. The singer can see the "promised land" of a future without their significant other, and the melting snow represents a new beginning. The end of the song emphasizes the freedom and self-discovery that comes after heartbreak with the line "since you've been gone, I'm feeling so strong."
Line by Line Meaning
It took a while for there rains to come
It took some time for things to get better
There's no other season, it will never change
Things are never going to be the same again
Caught within a circle, a never ending page
Feels like being stuck in a loop with no way out
You alone did move it all, the journey had to end
Only one person had the power to end things
Standing in the rain, the scars will never mend
The emotional pain will never fully heal
Since you've been gone, I'm feeling so strong
I'm becoming stronger since you left
Since you've been gone, The line is now drawn
There's a clear divide between us now
Since you've been gone, It's time to move on
It's finally time to let go of the past
Since you've been gone, since you've been gone
Reiterating the impact of your departure
Waking from a winter, I see a promised land
I'm beginning to see hope and a brighter future
Rocks of salt are diamonds, safe within my hand
What once caused pain is now valuable and held closely
Now the snow has melted, All will be revealed
The truth that was once hidden will now come to light
Take away the chains, Take away the shield
Breaking free from the burdens that held me down
I will carry on, Were no longer as one
Moving forward on my own, apart from you
Still I'm free, You'll never understand, you'll never understand
I may be alone, but I'm finally free from you
Since you've been gone, How can we move as one
Acknowledging the loss of unity between us
Since you've been gone, gone
Reiterating the finality of your departure
Contributed by Mateo J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.