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.
The Room We Hide In
Grieves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Inside of me. I can't play anymore I'm falling off the edge, I'm fighting every urge I've ever had to strike
It down and leave it dead. I make music, pain made me wanna take to it, fate drew it right in front your
Muthuh****ckin face use it, right? But there's a different way you view my life so meet me in the middle and
Throw rocks from the room you hide in. I get inside it, how sicks it's mind that it's got me reaching out to
Something like it thought that I was trying to find it. Lost and it's harder than expected, spotlights burn
The side of me that shouldn't be affected. And I try to be simple, don't put me on a pedastle. I'm twice
As fucked as everyone and scared like all the rest of you. Please, all I want is peace when the sunsets, and to
(CHORUS)
Once upon a time, a long time ago before I lost my mind; I was fine, I was good, I was faithful, but now I'm crazy
And I'm lost and I hate you. Because you took it all away from me.
Once upon a time, a long time ago before I lost my mind; I was fine, I was good, I was faithful, but now I'm crazy
And I'm lost and I hate you. Because you took it all away from me.
I chose my own path and left home without a roadmap, dressed for sunshine, I should have known better to pack.
For those days that would turn rainy, cold, and black. See I heard the stories but I didn't know the facts,
I assumed all was perfect from the photographs until the light hit the surface to expose the cracks.
What's worse than not knowing if your still on track? Paranoid and having thoughts about turning back.
I've seen dreams transform into the worst disease, and almost let the doubt kill my will to succeed. But
I've traveled too far to turn around and leave, get angry pound my fist into the ground and bleed. I'll
Never break my creed to sit at a table with thieves, tricks up their sleeves saying how my music should be.
I keep on with the profits and build it with Grieves; knowing one day I'll prove what I've always believed.
Eventually I know that day will be ceased, I know that day will be ceased.
(CHORUS)
Once upon a time, a long time ago before I lost my mind; I was fine, I was good, I was faithful, but now I'm crazy
And I'm lost and I hate you. Because you took it all away from me.
Once upon a time, a long time ago before I lost my mind; I was fine, I was good, I was faithful, but now I'm crazy
And I'm lost and I hate you. Because you took it all away from me.
The lyrics to Grieves feat. Mad Son & Kublakai's song The Room We Hide In explore the struggles of maintaining one's identity and creativity while navigating through life's challenges. The singer acknowledges that they are no longer reliable in keeping their word, as they are consumed by a dream that was created by a younger, more innocent version of themselves. They are struggling to maintain a sense of control, as they are on the brink of losing their grip on reality. Despite this, the singer is determined to use their pain to create music and connect with others.
The chorus of the song reflects on how the singer used to be stable and faithful, but now feels crazy and lost, blaming someone else for taking everything away from them. This can be interpreted as a reflection of how external factors can push someone to their limit and force them to question everything they thought they knew about themselves. The second verse discusses the struggles of leaving home and forging one's own path, and the fear of failure and doubt. However, the singer refuses to give up and stay stagnant, acknowledging the hard work and determination it takes to succeed in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not a person of my words anymore. I exist inside the dream that was started by a child that now lives Inside of me.
I'm unable to keep my promises, as I'm consumed by the dreams that I had when I was young, which are now embedded in me.
I can't play anymore I'm falling off the edge, I'm fighting every urge I've ever had to strike It down and leave it dead.
I'm unable to pretend anymore, and I'm struggling to resist the inclination to destroy everything around me.
I make music, pain made me wanna take to it, fate drew it right in front your Muthuh****ckin face use it, right?
I create music since it's my way of dealing with my anguish, and my destiny brought it to your attention, so do you identify with it?
But there's a different way you view my life so meet me in the middle and Throw rocks from the room you hide in.
You have a distinct perspective on my existence, so let's compromise, and you can criticize me while remaining safe in your hideout.
I get inside it, how sicks it's mind that it's got me reaching out to Something like it thought that I was trying to find it.
The way that my mind works is twisted, and it makes me seek things that resemble my distorted thoughts.
Lost and it's harder than expected, spotlights burn The side of me that shouldn't be affected.
I'm lost and struggling more than anticipated, and the attention makes me reveal a side of myself that I don't want to.
And I try to be simple, don't put me on a pedastle. I'm twice As fucked as everyone and scared like all the rest of you.
I strive for simplicity, so don't worship me. I'm just as damaged as others, and anxious like most people.
Please, all I want is peace when the sunsets, and to Breathe and taste what hasn't come yet. Listen to my words...
All I yearn for is serenity at the end of each day, and to experience things that have yet to occur. Please, pay attention to my message.
Once upon a time, a long time ago before I lost my mind; I was fine, I was good, I was faithful, but now I'm crazy And I'm lost and I hate you. Because you took it all away from me.
In the past, I was content, virtuous, and loyal, but became unhinged, and resent you since you've ruined everything for me.
I chose my own path and left home without a roadmap, dressed for sunshine, I should have known better to pack.
I followed my own route and departed without a plan, anticipating a bright future when I should have prepared for the worst.
For those days that would turn rainy, cold, and black. See I heard the stories but I didn't know the facts, I assumed all was perfect from the photographs until the light hit the surface to expose the cracks.
I expected days that would be grim and depressing, despite hearing tales to the contrary. I supposed that life was perfect based on appearances, but it's not until the imperfections are revealed that it becomes obvious.
What's worse than not knowing if your still on track? Paranoid and having thoughts about turning back.
It's worse being uncertain if you're on the correct path, and once you are paranoid, doubting yourself, and considering returning.
I've seen dreams transform into the worst disease, and almost let the doubt kill my will to succeed. But I've traveled too far to turn around and leave, get angry pound my fist into the ground and bleed.
I've seen dreams transform into a nightmare, and almost let the uncertainty deplete my desire to succeed, but I've come too far to give up now. My anger drives me to hit the ground in frustration.
I'll Never break my creed to sit at a table with thieves, tricks up their sleeves saying how my music should be. I keep on with the profits and build it with Grieves; knowing one day I'll prove what I've always believed.
I'll never compromise my values and collaborate with dishonest people who try to manipulate and control how I make music. I'll continue making a profit with Grieves, knowing that eventually, I'll demonstrate my talent.
Eventually I know that day will be ceased, I know that day will be ceased.
I'm aware that eventually, my troubles will come to an end.
Contributed by Carson L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.