Jonah33 released their self-titled debut album in 2001. With moderate success under their belt, and a widely successful single titled "Faith Like That", they ventured into their sophomore release, "The Strangest Day". The group took a left turn with that release and decided to give the mainstream Christian music scene a try. They embedded themselves in Nashville, co-wrote some songs with some heavy hitters, teamed up with the "right" people, even went as far as to record a worship track that someone else wrote. But in the end, the band felt they were trying to please the machine instead of God.
So 2007 finds the band on a new page. They recently parted ways with their record label, Ardent Records, and were picked up by Ares records, an independent label out of Santa Cruz, California. Their 3rd album, "The Heart of War", is slated for a summer release, and by far promises to be the best yet. The group has taken on the theme of WWll for this album, stating that "The church has been swallowed in the worship movement, and we need to be reminded that we are at war. This life is a spiritual war."
Over 500,000 miles and three vans since their first tour in 2001, Jonah33 offers no signs of letting up. As a matter of fact, internally, they have never felt stronger. The new music they have come forward with on "The Heart of War" seems to reflect that. Taking a few years of pent up anger and aggression, sonically the group dove into a much darker side than fans may be used to. But they have also delivered a balance in lyrics that seem to explode with hope, encouragement and brutal honesty, something that seems to be lacking in today's ear tickling industry.
White Flag
Jonah33 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who gave you the right to breathe
You're caught up inside of the dis-illusion that you actually have control
I refuse to wave the white flag over anything I've ever stood for
You're the slow decay that takes away my need for apathy
It's time to call you for what you are
You're caught up inside of the dis-illusion that you actually have control
I refuse to wave the white flag over anything I've ever stood for
You're the slow decay that takes away my need for apathy
You will never win
I'll never wave the white flag
You'll drown in your own sin
On things I live my life for
I'll say this once again
I'll never wave the white flag
You will never win
On things I live my life for
I refuse to wave the white flag over anything I've ever stood for
You're the ice that runs the blood cold in my veins
I refuse to wave the white flag over everything I'll ever stand for
You're the slow decay that eats away my need for apathy
The lyrics of Jonah33's song "White Flag" seem to be critical of political systems that have become corrupt and tyrannical. The first verse sets the tone for the song, calling out those in power and questioning their legitimacy. The line "Who gave you the right to breathe" is a powerful statement of frustration and anger at the way things are. The second verse is more personal, with the singer refusing to give up on their beliefs and values. The repeated phrase "I refuse to wave the white flag" signals a determination to keep fighting, to never give in to apathy or cynicism.
Overall, the song seems to be an anthem of defiance and resistance in the face of a world that has lost its way. It is a call to action, a reminder that we must stand up for what we believe in and never allow ourselves to be defeated by those who seek to control us. The use of metaphors throughout the song - "the slow decay that takes away my need for apathy", "the ice that runs the blood cold in my veins" - adds to the power and intensity of the message.
Line by Line Meaning
Politics in bed with tyranny
The corrupt government is in collusion with authoritarian rule.
Who gave you the right to breathe
Why do you act like you have control over everything?
You're caught up inside of the dis-illusion that you actually have control
You're duped into thinking you have agency over what's happening around you.
I refuse to wave the white flag over anything I've ever stood for
I won't give up on what I've always believed in.
You're the slow decay that takes away my need for apathy
You make me realize the importance of staying passionate and engaged.
It's time to call you for what you are
It's time to expose your true nature.
And I'll die before you leave me scars
I won't let you hurt me and come out unscathed.
You will never win
You will never come out on top.
I'll say this once again
I'll make it clear one more time.
You're the ice that runs the blood cold in my veins
You make me feel numb and detached from the things I care about.
You'll drown in your own sin
You'll face the consequences of your own wrongdoings.
On things I live my life for
On the things that give my life purpose and meaning.
I'll never wave the white flag
I won't give up or surrender.
You will never win
You will never come out on top.
On things I live my life for
On the things that give my life purpose and meaning.
You're the slow decay that eats away my need for apathy
You make me realize the importance of staying passionate and engaged.
Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.