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.
Face to Face
Justifide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And always claim, "Self-made, I'm the one because I'm gettin' paid
Now, I'm my own God and this is my world
I'm at the top, uh-uh, I can't be stopped"
Well now, don't you see that you're creating your own misery?
Come back down so you can see, it's not what it seems to be
It's just another empty dream
When will you see, it's time to wake up and change
It's just an empty dream, your life is too good to waste
And it never lasts, don't be trapped by yourself
Face your past, face to face!
Let's get deeper and go a little further into the past
You live this way to hide your pain
When no one else is there, your smile and confidence
It fades
When will you see, it's time to wake up and change
It's just an empty dream, your life is too good to waste
And it never lasts, don't be trapped by yourself
Face your past, face to face!
When will you see, it's time to wake up and change
It's just an empty dream, your life is too good to waste
And it never lasts, don't be trapped by yourself
Face your past, face to face!
So wake up, life's too short
The lyrics of Justifide's song "Face to Face" speak about the dangers of excessive pride and the emptiness of material success without deeper meaning. The song criticizes those who believe they are in control of their lives and destiny and do not seek outside help or guidance. The singer of the song is portrayed as someone who believes they are self-made and untouchable, living in a world where they are at the top of the hierarchy. However, the lyrics argue that this kind of thinking is misguided and ultimately leads to misery.
The song encourages the singer to "come back down" from their position of self-made success and realize that it is "just another empty dream." The lyrics argue that this kind of attitude leaves the singer with nothing and that they need to "face their past, face to face" in order to move forward. The song's chorus repeats this idea, urging the singer to wake up, make a change, and not be trapped by themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Ridin' high on your accomplishments
You are proud of what you have achieved
And always claim, 'Self-made, I'm the one because I'm gettin' paid
You attribute your success to your own efforts and enjoy the financial benefits
Now, I'm my own God and this is my world
You feel in control and invincible, as if nothing can stop you
I'm at the top, uh-uh, I can't be stopped'
You believe you have reached the pinnacle of success and no one can bring you down
Well now, don't you see that you're creating your own misery?
You are blind to the negative consequences of your behavior and attitude
Come back down so you can see, it's not what it seems to be
You need to change your perspective and reconsider what is truly important in life
It's just another empty dream
Your pursuit of power and wealth is meaningless and unfulfilling
One that leaves you with nothing
Your obsession with success has caused you to neglect important relationships and experiences
Let's get deeper and go a little further into the past
We need to explore the root of your issues, which may lie in traumatic experiences or unresolved emotions
You live this way to hide your pain
Your fixation on success is a coping mechanism for emotional pain and insecurity
When no one else is there, your smile and confidence
You struggle to maintain your façade of success and positivity when you are alone
It fades
Your façade is not sustainable and eventually crumbles
So wake up, life's too short
You need to realize that there is more to life than material success and prioritize what truly matters
When will you see, it's time to wake up and change
You need to recognize that your current lifestyle is unsustainable and make meaningful changes
And it never lasts, don't be trapped by yourself
Even the most successful individuals will eventually face obstacles and adversity; don't let your ego and fear hold you back
Face your past, face to face!
You need to confront the pain and trauma from your past in order to move forward and lead a more fulfilling life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind