The end of 2008 saw Grieves enlisting the help of friend and collaborator Budo to co-produce Together/Apart bringing his signature swiss-army knife, multi-instrumental backdrop to Grieves' hauntingly poignant narrative. The album began taking shape in New York as the two built off the success 88 Keys and Counting had generated and paired it with the intensity they developed from their live performances. The recording process began to shadow the theme of the album as it saw tracks recorded in Colorado and Washington in addition to New York, infusing it with a mixture of regional influences while still maintaining a cohesive sound. As the album neared completion the title took on a double meaning for Grieves as he explored new subject matter in the absence of trust, refuge in addiction, acceptance and honesty in self-reflection, and trying to find his place in the world without forgetting his roots.
Front Foot Planted
Grieves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and get a safe view from the other side of the paint glass
this whole world's pokin' at me tryin' to get me jet black
to open up my hands and accept it like it's the best pass
you can keep what you're sellin', I never needed for anything that I couldn't reach for myself
and i'm fine with it never objecting the time applied in it, my vision, never projecting anything I didn't
and that's the way that I like it, keep your claws away from me and everybody I fighted
I keep a lot of what I see inside my heart and ignite into an artistic expression that makes me feel like I'm high
it's my breath I use and don't know a damn thing that anybody out there attempting to try to brand me
don't ask us why 'cause we don't have answers
front foot planted, we don't move backwards
questions arise with those destined to die
left with their pride and a quest to suvive x2
In the first verse of "Front Foot Planted", Grieves raps about his personal strength in the face of the world's opposition. He describes himself as a fire, breaking open his own passions and talents, regardless of what outside forces try to suppress him. Grieves rejects the notion that he should accept the status quo, both in terms of what society tells him he should be and what people try to sell him. He values independence and agency, scoffing at the idea that he would need anything that he can't achieve on his own. When he feels pressure from the world and the people who want him to conform, he channels those feelings into art that makes him feel more alive. Grieves concludes the verse by asserting his determination to stay true to his principles, never letting anyone else define him.
In the chorus, Grieves and his collaborators repeat the refrain "don't ask us why 'cause we don't have answers," symbolizing a sense of confusion and uncertainty in the face of life's challenges. However, they reaffirm their commitment to forward motion, standing firm on their front foot and refusing to retreat. The second verse reinforces the idea that life presents difficult questions and obstacles, but it's up to the individual to navigate them with integrity intact. Grieves emphasizes his own resilience and self-reliance again, using his breath and his own creative vision to stay grounded and centered. He acknowledges that life's challenges can be overwhelming, but he refuses to let them shake his resolve.
Overall, "Front Foot Planted" celebrates the power of individual strength and perseverance, even in the face of daunting opposition. Grieves and his collaborators reject the idea that life is easy or straightforward, but they refuse to be defeated by it. Instead, they choose to plant their front foot, stay on the offensive, and continue pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I break it open like a fire's inside so you should step back
I am about to unleash my full potential, so it's better if you keep a safe distance and watch from afar.
and get a safe view from the other side of the paint glass
You can observe me from a distance, like watching a painting through a glass, but you cannot interfere.
this whole world's pokin' at me tryin' to get me jet black
The world is trying to bring me down, to darken my spirit and make me negative.
to open up my hands and accept it like it's the best pass
The world wants me to surrender and accept its fate as if it's the best thing for me.
you can keep what you're sellin', I never needed for anything that I couldn't reach for myself
I don't need anything you're selling because I am self-sufficient and can get what I want on my own.
and i'm fine with it never objecting the time applied in it, my vision, never projecting anything I didn't
I am okay with the time and effort I have invested in my vision, and I never put anything out there that I do not believe in.
and that's the way that I like it, keep your claws away from me and everybody I fighted
I prefer it this way, and I don't want anyone trying to tear me down or the people I have fought for.
I keep a lot of what I see inside my heart and ignite into an artistic expression that makes me feel like I'm high
I store a lot of what I observe in my heart and channel it into my art, which gives me a natural high.
and I ride for the principle, solid mind individual, never letting it slide on the other side of the fence for you
I stand up for my principles and beliefs, and I am a firm individual who does not compromise for anyone.
it's my breath I use and don't know a damn thing that anybody out there attempting to try to brand me
I use my own breath to live and create, and I don't care about anyone trying to label or brand me.
don't ask us why 'cause we don't have answers
We can't explain why we are the way we are, it's just who we are.
front foot planted, we don't move backwards
We are steadfast in our beliefs and are not willing to back down or move backward.
questions arise with those destined to die
When someone is close to death, they start to ask questions and reflect on their life.
left with their pride and a quest to suvive
When facing death, people are left with their dignity and a will to survive as long as they can.
questions arise with those destined to die
When someone is close to death, they start to ask questions and reflect on their life.
left with their pride and a quest to suvive
When facing death, people are left with their dignity and a will to survive as long as they can.
Contributed by Max T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nate Grigsby
"Im only different because i didnt try to fit in" that was solid
sammy
This guy got some hard lyrics! So dope!
jottyboy
haha well its a great song. i love grieves' work
Marcus Pine
i love metal, but goddamn i love this song.
Colkerns
Feat. POS, check out the tracks he did with Astronautilus too! POS is always featured with dope artists.
MrPGBW
This needs more views.
jottyboy
How the fuck does this song only have 218 views. crazy
Giovanni Gomez
omg that fucking guitar. >
OneStopHipHop
@TheHuskies18 Symmetry and Type, It's under the tags.
JUICEPPL1
Read the transcriptions... Trust me just do it.