Weiss began playing music as a teenager in their hometown of Flowery Branch, Georgia. Inspired by the emotional tumult of young relationships, they began writing songs, adopting a DIY ethic that would stay with them throughout their career. Weiss released their first EP, An Eight-Song Tribute to Feeling Bad and Feeling Better (under the name Allison Weiss , in 2007, while attending the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. They followed it up with a full-length concert album, Live at Sidewalk NYC , a year later.
In late 2009, Weiss turned to the newly launched Kickstarter crowd-funding platform to try raising the money for their first studio LP, ...Was Right All Along. Their campaign allowed them to reach their funding goal within the first day and triple it just days later. The Kickstarter success led to some high-exposure press, with The New York Times and Wired magazine essentially labeling them as a sort of poster child for the new era of Internet promotion. Weiss capitalized on the attention with countless tours, interviews, and a panelist slot at the industry's SXSW conference in Austin alongside Kickstarter founder Yancey Strickler. They kept themself busy over the next two years by focusing on their songwriting and touring.
In 2011, Weiss recorded their second studio album, Say What You Mean, as well as a companion acoustic record called Sideways Sessions in Brooklyn, New York. Both albums were released on No Sleep Records in 2013. The label released an EP titled Remember When the following year.
In May 2015, Weiss signed with SideOneDummy Records and announced plans to release a third studio album later that year. New Love was released on October 2, 2015, produced by Forrest Kline of electro-pop band Hellogoodbye and Bradley Hale of indie rock band Now, Now.
In 2017, shortly after the release of their single "Runaway," Weiss came out as non-binary. They discussed the transition on the podcast Queery, hosted by comedian Cameron Esposito, for which Weiss also provides the theme music with their song "Who We Are."
Who We Are
John-Allison Weiss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, tell me, who do we think we are?
We can't run out of magic
It's the only way we know
Let's trip the night fantastic
Light it up 'til we both explode
We love, we love, we love the stars
The drinks, the minks, the jewels, the house, the cars
Why'd we ball so hard?
Yeah, and I, I'm not afraid to fly
Here we are, in the air, barely breathing
And we're not afraid to die
Who do we think we are?
Baby, tell me, who do we think we are?
Who do we think we are?
Baby, tell me, who do we think we are?
We've got a lot of nerve, girl
We walk around here like we own this place
See my jewels dripping on my Timberlands
Stepping like a criminal, success is so imminent
Pink champagne, black Rolls Royce
Eggplant double-breasted suit from Tom Ford
Bon voyage, left haters in the fog
Look up in the sky, bet you recognize a boss
Look into my eyes as I fantasize for us
Still actin' shy like this is summer class crush
Money comin' fast, I'm never in a rush, no
Plus another twenty in a tuck
Semi in a truck, another forty on the wrist
Quarter-mill on my mind got me livin' like I pitch
Dodging Robin Givens, boiling like I'm Roger Clemens
Still in the game, uniform all linen
She get Chanel, ski trips to Vail
Only the highest grade, like trees that I inhale
And I, I'm not afraid to fly
Here we are, in the air, barely breathing
And we're not afraid to die
Who do we think we are?
Baby, tell me, who do we think we are?
Who do we think we are?
Oh baby, tell me, who do we think we are?
Who do we think we are?
I don't know about y'all, but I feel good tonight
There's something in the air tonight
You know, everyone needs someone to look up to
Why shouldn't it be us?
Who do we think we are?
Tell me, who do we think we are?
Who do we think we are?
Tell me, who do we think we are?
At first glance, John-Allison Weiss's song "Who We Are" appears to be a song about living life to the fullest without any fears. The first verse suggests that the characters in the song are living the high life as they describe their love of the stars and their possessions such as drink, minks, jewels, cars, and houses, questioning why they are living such an extravagant lifestyle. The chorus asks, "who do we think we are?" and "who do we think we are?" and encourages the listener to join in the moment and live life to the fullest.
However, the second verse suggests a deeper underlying meaning to the song. The lyrics describe two people who have a lot of nerve and walk around like they own the place. The lyrics suggest that these two people are not afraid to take chances and live life to the fullest, even if it means risking everything. The character describes their fast-paced life and money coming in quickly, but they are not in a rush to enjoy it. They appear to be living a life of excess, but not without acknowledging the risks they are taking.
Overall, the song suggests that the characters are living life to the fullest, without fear of repercussions, and they question their own identity and motivations. The song carries a sense of reckless abandon and a desire for more within its lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Who do we think we are?
Questioning our own identity and place in the world
Baby, tell me, who do we think we are?
Asking for another's perspective on our sense of self
We can't run out of magic
Feeling a sense of wonder and possibility
It's the only way we know
Magic is a core part of our being and how we navigate the world
Let's trip the night fantastic
Embracing excitement and adventure in our lives
Light it up 'til we both explode
Going all in and experiencing intense passion and joy
We love, we love, we love the stars
Finding beauty and inspiration in the cosmos
We could fall so hard
Acknowledging the risks and vulnerability of pursuing what we love
The drinks, the minks, the jewels, the house, the cars
Indulging in luxury and material pleasures
Why'd we ball so hard?
Questioning our own excess and extravagance
Yeah, and I, I'm not afraid to fly
Confidence in taking risks and pursuing our dreams
Here we are, in the air, barely breathing
Acknowledging the challenges and uncertainty of our endeavors
And we're not afraid to die
Embracing the unknown and potential dangers of our pursuits
We've got a lot of nerve, girl
Feeling bold and fearless
We walk around here like we own this place
Confidence and sense of belonging in our environment
See my jewels dripping on my Timberlands
Flaunting wealth and success
Stepping like a criminal, success is so imminent
Feeling powerful and untouchable
Pink champagne, black Rolls Royce
More examples of lavish spending
Eggplant double-breasted suit from Tom Ford
Further displaying wealth and luxury fashion
Bon voyage, left haters in the fog
Moving on confidently and carefree
Look up in the sky, bet you recognize a boss
Asserting dominance and success
Look into my eyes as I fantasize for us
Dreaming big and encouraging others to join in
Still actin' shy like this is summer class crush
Despite appearing confident, there may be a sense of vulnerability or insecurity
Money comin' fast, I'm never in a rush, no
Feeling financially secure and comfortable
Plus another twenty in a tuck
Carrying extra cash
Semi in a truck, another forty on the wrist
More displays of material success
Quarter-mill on my mind got me livin' like I pitch
Obsessed with money and success
Dodging Robin Givens, boiling like I'm Roger Clemens
Possibly alluding to past scandals involving both figures
Still in the game, uniform all linen
Continuing to thrive despite obstacles or criticisms
She get Chanel, ski trips to Vail
Sharing wealth and success with a partner or loved one
Only the highest grade, like trees that I inhale
Preferring the best and most expensive options
I don't know about y'all, but I feel good tonight
Feeling confident and happy in the present moment
There's something in the air tonight
Feeling a sense of excitement or possibility
You know, everyone needs someone to look up to
Valuing inspiration and role models
Why shouldn't it be us?
Believing in our own potential to inspire and lead
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CARALJO MUSIC INC., Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY KHAN, CARROL WASHINGTON, DAVE TOZER, ED TOWNSEND, GUORDAN BANKS, JOHN STEPHENS, JOSEPH BROUSSARD, KANYE WEST, MARVIN GAYE, RALPH WILLIAMS, RICK ROSS, ROOSEVELT HARRELL III, WILLIAM ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
xXx_OPOSSUM666_xXx
This album and especially this song makes me feel happy everytime I feel down.
Haileigh Cron
Aw I'm so proud of her <3
Amy Quinn
Them*
Unnamed Poet
This is the first time I've heard AW, and I love this music. It's so different and wonderful, I'm so glad I ran into this.
grante101
Still, this piece is incredible!
Jenny Handler
This song is so addictive!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tim the Hermit
This song is incredible, with an equally awesome video. Loved it for years. Shocked it doesn't have a million plus views by now! Reminds me of my amazing daughter, whom I love so very much!
Frank Y.
Found this on soundcloud, what a great day this has been 😊🥰❤
Bryce McSherry
So stoked on this album.
Dara Hoffman-Fox
This was fantastic!