Beginnings
Justifide began at home, with the brokenness of distressed family relations, a circumstance that eventually led to experimentation with alcohol and other drugs. While they were only in their teens, the Moncivaiz brothers lived in a house that was stressed to the breaking point, with the parents separated. The problems started to spiral downward, and the situation might have ended up much worse. But one event changed the family's direction: convinced of the family's need for God, the Moncivaizes' father became born again. That spiritual transformation turned the family's life around. Music was a natural outlet for the family, since both brothers had started learning instruments as a young age.
Second Stage
As a formal group, Justifide started with Ian Metzger as the vocalist, Jason Moncivaiz on drums, Sambo Moncivaiz on the bass, and Joey Avalos playing the guitar. They try to keep it real, not playing depressing songs all the time but not playing all "happy" songs either. In the words of singer Jason Moncivaiz:
"We try to touch on all of the human experience. Life and death,
love and loss. We don't just experience the emotion of joy. There's
a lot of other stuff going on in us, too. So not all of our songs are
'coming from a happy place.' And not all of our songs are going to
be depressing and sad. We're trying to write about all of life, all
of the things we're feeling."
After about a year of touring and recording the band's first indie EP, Life Outside the Toybox, Ian Metzger departed. Jason started singing as well as playing the drums. The remaining members toured a bit as a three-man band, but eventually they began hiring drummers to free up Jason to concentrate on vocals. Some of the drummers the band worked with were Jaren Johnston of Bang Bang Bang and Jeff Irizarry of Dear Ephesus. Guitarist Joey Avalos left Justifide in 2003. He has since gone on to work with Pillar and an independent project called Stars Go Dim.
Reform the Resistance
After years of recording, touring, and switching drummers and guitarists, the band finally acquired a permanent drummer, Ryan Dugger of Nashville, Tennessee, and renamed itself Reform the Resistance. The new three-person group has released an EP titled "And It Begins" and its first single "Tonight" to Christian rock radio.
Breakaway
Justifide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'cause I've seen the people with the money have their hearts shattered
We're taught to work hard chase success
Do our best and money will bring all our happiness
Well we come at you because we got a different point of view
We're who the ones who live our lives anew
Used to be the same exactly like you
But now we see money isn't everything, you see
I'm about to break
I'm about to break
So wake up step up to the plate
And see we gotta breakaway
We've gotta change
He'll set us free
So wake up step up to the plate
And see we gotta breakaway
Can't you see the greed in society
It won't get the best of me so let me be
So many people hate their lives and can't break free
So try a new method and see where it leads
There comes a time when the money, the dolla dolla bills die out run out
What do you live for?
If it's money, you're missing out on life's meaning
What will it take until we finally make you see?
In "Breakaway" by Justifide, the lyrics speak to the idea that we need to break away from the mindset that money is all that matters. The song addresses the fact that having money does not equate to happiness or fulfillment in life, and that chasing after wealth can lead to a shattered heart. The traditional values surrounding work and success are questioned, suggesting that there is a different way to live that does not revolve around the pursuit of money.
The song also tackles the notion of greed in society and how it can lead to a lack of true happiness and fulfillment. The lyrics urge listeners to try a new approach to life, one that does not place money above everything else. The message is clear: money is not the sole purpose of life, and there are more meaningful things to live for.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to break away from the idea that money is the key to happiness and to embrace a different way of life, one that is fulfilling in all aspects rather than just financially.
Line by Line Meaning
We gotta breakaway from the mindset that money's all that matters
We need to change our thoughts and values that revolve around money being the most important thing in life.
'cause I've seen the people with the money have their hearts shattered
Having money doesn't guarantee happiness, as wealthy people also go through emotional pain and suffering.
We're taught to work hard chase success
Society reinforces the idea that we should exert great effort to achieve success in our careers.
Do our best and money will bring all our happiness
Working hard sends the message that attaining financial gain is the key to fulfillment.
Well we come at you because we got a different point of view
We disagree with the conventional attitude towards money-centric vanities, and have our perspective.
We're who the ones who live our lives anew
Having a different viewpoint helps us foreshadow an improved lifestyle.
Used to be the same exactly like you
We were taught similarly in our past, like everyone else.
But now we see money isn't everything, you see
We acknowledged that money doesn't guarantee life satisfaction.
I'm about to break
I'm at a point of breaking out of the shackles of conformity.
So wake up step up to the plate
Realise quickly that there is something better than just living life the standard way.
And see we gotta breakaway
Believe it or not, we need a paradigm shift and rethink our current way of life.
We've gotta change
We need to change our way of thinking and course of action.
He'll set us free
With the help of the Almighty, we can experience internal freedom from these materialistic values.
Can't you see the greed in society
It's apparent how society as a whole is always after money and isn't willing to share with others.
It won't get the best of me so let me be
I won't fall into the trap of being excessively greedy, so let me live my way.
So many people hate their lives and can't break free
Many folks are upset with their lives and are unable to break free from the pressure of monetary gain.
So try a new method and see where it leads
Try a new way of life and explore its benefits instead of sticking to this failed notion.
There comes a time when the money, the dolla dolla bills die out run out
The period arrives when we can no longer rely on a steady supply of money.
What do you live for?
What matters most in your life?
If it's money, you're missing out on life's meaning
Those who have made money their topmost priority have no idea about life's true value.
What will it take until we finally make you see?
What will it take for newcomers to realise that a shift is long overdue?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind