He is also a skater, which led to his career in hip hop; after an accident in 1998, he took time to focus on rap and was noticed by Trevor McNevan of Ontario-based band Thousand Foot Krutch. This led to his signing to an internationally distributed label, BEC Recordings, and debut release Epiphany, which was made primarily of West Coast hip hop with several rapcore outings in the vein of Limp Bizkit.
He released two independent albums, Mislead Youth (2001) and My Own Thing (2003), prior to Epiphany in 2005. He has toured in Canada, the United States and Ireland to date.
His second album, Glory, emphasized rap-rock elements with more Linkin Park-esque nu metal, and included more authentic hip hop stylings.
Central themes of Manafest's music include nonconformity, hip hop culture, and walking with God.
Manafest says in regards to Glory that: "I wanted to allow all of my influences show on Glory. Musically, I wanted to blend the appeal of Linkin Park, Sum 41, and The Beastie Boys. Vocally, I wanted to merge that with popular hip hop à la Eminem and Kanye West. But beyond musical influence, I wanted to reflect on the issues around me in the most positive way possible. And whether I am talking about the loss of loved ones and abuse, or breakdancing and skate culture, it's all for the glory of heaven. In the end, my prayer is that people would not simply bob their heads to this, but feel a very real sense of healing from the words. However, this record is not all serious. Some of my favorite tracks are the most lighthearted ones."
Renegade
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There’ve been days I lost my way and backed down
Time I wasted, placed you in the background
I can’t take it, parade and fake this,
Separated tainted, it’s got me on the run now
I don’t want to be on the run now
Create a love in me I’ll put it all down
Faith is waiting I’m facing what’s in front now
Pre-Chorus
It’s not like I’m not trying to work it out
If things are, so much harder when you’re not around
Chorus:
I’m not always who you think I am
Sometimes I feel like I’m the renegade
And I can’t just sit back and watch it fade
This time I hope you see, I’m not the enemy
Verse II
I’m gone a make it, shake it on the jump now
I’m gone a break it, fade it put the gun down
Amazing grace, mistakes erased come round
I’m gonna do what it takes, remain and run in the race
Saved a wretch like me you never let down
I can see the dream I’ll never let drowned
I’m not a saint but hey I’m up above ground
I’m now awake I’ll chase I’ll never run out
Pre-Chorus
It’s not like I’m not trying to work it out
If things are, so much harder when you’re not around
Chorus:
I’m not always who you think I am
Sometimes I feel like I’m the renegade
And I can’t just sit back and watch it fade
This time I hope you see, I’m not the enemy
BRIDGE:
I’m not a renegade, I’m not a renegade, no matter what you say,
I’m not a renegade, I’m not a renegade, no matter what you say, I’m not a renegade
I’m not a renegade, I’m not a renegade, no matter what you say, I’m not a renegade!!!!
I’m not a renegade!!!
Pre-Chorus
It’s not like I’m not trying to work it out
If things are, so much harder when you’re not around
Chorus:
I’m not always who you think I am
Sometimes I feel like I’m the renegade
And I can’t just sit back and watch it fade
This time I hope you see I’m not the enemy
I’m not a renegade, I’m not a renegade, no matter what you say, I’m not a renegade
I’m not a renegade, I’m not a renegade, no matter what you say, I’m not a renegade!!!!
The Manafest's song Renegade is about personal struggles and finding strength to face those struggles. The song starts with the artist confessing to have lost his way and placed what is important in the background. He then continues to express the feeling of separation and the desire to run away. However, he pleads to create a love that will make him forget everything else, replace the pain, and face what is right in front of him. The pre-chorus reveals the artist's struggle to work things out and how much harder it is when someone isn't around.
In the chorus, the singer explains that he can't sit back and watch things fade away, and at times he feels like a renegade. He claims that he hopes this time, the person he is addressing understands that he is not the enemy. In the second verse, the artist says he is going to take care of the situation and do whatever it takes to remain and run the race. He affirms that the dream is intact, and he's not a saint, but he's above ground and fully awake.
In summary, Renegade is a song about personal battles, pushing through in spite of the situation, and standing up to face adversity. The artist takes responsibility for his actions, and although the pain exists, he remains hopeful and ready to make amends.
Line by Line Meaning
There’ve been days I lost my way and backed down
I have struggled and given up in the past
Time I wasted, placed you in the background
I have neglected important things in my life
I can’t take it, parade and fake this, Separated tainted, it’s got me on the run now
I am overwhelmed and have been pretending everything is okay
I don’t want to be on the run now
I want to stop running away from my problems
Create a love in me I’ll put it all down
I want to focus on love and prioritize it in my life
Shake the pain, replace it let me run now
I want to let go of my pain and start moving forward
Faith is waiting I’m facing what’s in front now
I have faith and am ready to confront my challenges
It’s not like I’m not trying to work it out
I am making an effort to improve my situation
If things are, so much harder when you’re not around
I struggle when I am on my own
I’m not always who you think I am
I am not always the person I appear to be
Sometimes I feel like I’m the renegade
I feel like an outsider or rebel
And I can’t just sit back and watch it fade
I am taking action to prevent things from getting worse
This time I hope you see, I’m not the enemy
I want others to know that I am not against them
I’m gone a make it, shake it on the jump now
I am going to push myself and be successful
I’m gone a break it, fade it put the gun down
I am breaking bad habits and letting go of harmful behaviors
Amazing grace, mistakes erased come round
I believe in forgiveness and have learned from my mistakes
I’m gonna do what it takes, remain and run in the race
I am committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed
Saved a wretch like me you never let down
I am grateful for those who have supported and helped me
I can see the dream I’ll never let drowned
I have a clear vision of my goals and won't let them fade away
I’m not a saint but hey I’m up above ground
I am not perfect, but I am still alive and have the opportunity to improve
I’m now awake I’ll chase I’ll never run out
I am awake and ready to pursue my dreams without giving up
I’m not a renegade, I’m not a renegade, no matter what you say, I’m not a renegade
I am not a rebel or outsider, despite what others may believe
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc., Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: ADAM DAVID MESSINGER, CHRIS GREENWOOD, TREVOR MCNEVAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ver1133
The only ad I never skip, I love it a lot!
@Manafest
That's awesome!
@reji2951
SAME
@reji2951
THE HELL, this was made 8 years ago
@ver1133
@@reji2951 Ik-
@marklim5924
Nice new favorite song 💪 😁
@alexisalim5432
THIS NEEDS TO BE POPULAR, ONE OF THE BEST IN MY PLAYLIST.
@Manafest
Thanks Alexis!
@heinrichfreitag6455
Same
@MetalBreakdown
Why do I get this as an ad 7 years later? You good YT?