Originally, the project that Mr. Saller had created was known as The Black Cloud Collective. The Black Cloud Collective released one single, "Hail Mary!" It was released to music retailers December 14th, 2010. The track was met with moderate support.
Their debut album "Begin Again" was available for purchase on iTunes beginning August 9th, 2011 and the first single, "Gimme Love," was released via their Facebook profile for free download. The album also included "Hail Mary!" from the band's early days. Since, the band has toured across the United States, performing at local venues.
"Begin Again" was re-released on February 5th, 2013 and included three new singles.
Most recently, Hell or Highwater produced a new EP entitled "The Other Side - EP." It was released August 6th, 2013. The lead single from the EP is "Wrong." The EP was met with success.
Colors
Hell or Highwater Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Revel in [?]
Deny ourselves this air
We'll learn to breathe on our own
We're sick of this, the same old shit
The water rises, but the ships don't
We've been down in the trenches
It won't be long before we all say
Wear your colors proud
Broken beyond repair
I'm left with ashes and bones
[?} the loser's share
Welcome the king to the throne
If the shoe fits, throw on those kicks
And make a run for it
We've been down in the trenches
We're not sinking, no
It won't be long before we all say
Wear your colors proud
Wear your colors proud
As long as it seems
The peasants will lead
Us up to the glory above
And here we will stay
And right as the rain
Pours on the gardens below
We've been down in the trenches
We're not sinking, no
It won't be long before we all say
Wear your colors proud
Wear your colors proud
Wear your colors proud
Wear your colors
Wear your colors
Wear your colors proud
The song "Colors" by Hell or Highwater is a rallying cry for those who have been beaten down and oppressed but who refuse to give up. The lyrics are about fighting through adversity and overcoming obstacles, no matter how difficult. The opening line "We live for the struggle here" sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the destination.
The second line denotes a sense of belongingness and celebration in the challenge, even though it might cause one to struggle or even suffocate. The lyrics emphasize the need for self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of adversity, with the line "We'll learn to breathe on our own." The lyrics express the frustration of being stuck in a stagnant situation, where the water rises, but the ships don't move. The song encourages listeners to rise up and fight against the status quo.
The chorus serves as an anthem of empowerment, telling people to wear their colors proud, meaning to proudly display who they are and what they stand for. It's a call to arms, asking those who have been downtrodden to stand together and fight for a better tomorrow. The lyrics "Broken beyond repair, I'm left with ashes and bones" convey a sense of defeat and hopelessness, but the song ultimately asserts that it's never too late to rise from the ashes and reclaim what's yours.
Overall, "Colors" is an inspiring song that urges listeners to persevere when faced with adversity and fight against injustice, no matter how challenging the struggle may be.
Line by Line Meaning
We live for the struggle here
Our existence revolves around the hardships we face in this place
Revel in [?]
We take pleasure in the adversity we encounter
Deny ourselves this air
We refuse to take the easy way out
We'll learn to breathe on our own
We'll find our own path to survival
We're sick of this, the same old shit
We're tired of the monotonous routine
The water rises, but the ships don't
Challenges and struggles keep getting bigger, but we won't falter
Broken beyond repair
After getting destroyed, there's no possibility of restoring ourselves
I'm left with ashes and bones
All that remains of me are mere ashes and bones
[?} the loser's share
Accepting whatever is left after experiencing a loss
Welcome the king to the throne
Let the champion take his deserved place on the top
If the shoe fits, throw on those kicks
If the opportunity arises, don't be afraid to seize it
And make a run for it
Take advantage of the chance and escape
We've been down in the trenches
We've faced the deepest of troubles
We're not sinking, no
We refuse to sink down into defeat
It won't be long before we all say
Soon, we'll proudly declare
Wear your colors proud
To show who we really are and our strength to endure hard times
As long as it seems
The situation may appear endless
The peasants will lead
The common people will take the lead
Us up to the glory above
To success and recognition that's above and beyond
And here we will stay
We'll stay firm in our mission
And right as the rain
Just when everything appears gloomy
Pours on the gardens below
A sudden change will bring fortune to those who remained steadfast throughout the storms
Wear your colors proud
To signify our ability to endure hardships and obstacles
Wear your colors proud
To express our pride in ourselves and our accomplishments
Wear your colors proud
To let the world know that we're not backing down
Wear your colors
Let your true self shine
Wear your colors
Be authentic
Wear your colors proud
Show the world what you're made of
Writer(s): BRANDON SALLER, KYLE ROSA, NICK MALDANADO, FREDERIC ARCHAMBAULT, JON HOOVER, JOEY BRADFORD
Contributed by Caden K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.