When NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear and Bo Rinehart set out to write the songs that appear on the band’s new album, The Reckoning, they felt something bigger awaited them. It wasn’t just commercial success either. The band’s last album The Outsiders hit No. 9 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart, went Top 20 on the Top 200, saw the band sell out venues such as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Chicago’s House of Blues, and score an impressive number of placements in blockbuster films and numerous prime time television-shows.
With their reputation as a must-see live act built from non-stop touring, the Rinehart brothers, pastor’s sons who hail from the rural South Carolina town of Possum Kingdom, along with drummer Joe Stillwell and bass player Seth Bolt, were determined to create a statement-making album that truly captured the magic behind this genuinely appealing rock band.
Lyrically, all roads lead from the album’s title, which Bear says has several different meanings, one of them being the justification of accounts. “I like the idea that you put in all this work and at some point it comes to a peak -- that’s the reckoning time.”
What the band emerged with is a timeless-sounding album rooted in classic American rock and roll, unafraid to veer off into unexpected directions. Songs such as “Maybe They’re On To Us” address the paranoia of wondering whether people know too much about the band. “It also asks, ‘Are we still driven in the same way?’ We’re always questioning ourselves,” Bear says. Even the songs that may sound light-hearted on the surface, like “White Fences,” “Slumber,” and “Drive All Night,” explore serious themes. “’White Fences’ is about the American dream of growing up in a big house with a white picket fence, but when the dream is broken and things don’t pan out the way you planned, asking who’s going to fix it,” Bo says. “’Slumber’ is meant to be about how beauty is all around you but you just can’t see it because of the funk you’re in,” Bear says. “It speaks to something that we really care about which is giving yourself a chance.” And there’s “Drive All Night,” a galloping barnstormer that Bear sees as a statement on the false idea that one can run away from one’s problems.
With their intriguing melodies and bright choruses, the songs on The Reckoning are certain to translate in the live setting, something that is crucial to the band. “The worst thing that could happen is you get done playing and people don’t think about you again. We’ll do whatever it takes to force people to make a decision about our band, whether they love us or not. It makes for more passionate fans.”
Shine On
NEEDTOBREATHE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the point where we begin
There's a fire burning brightly
That's found it's way to dim
When the feeling's gone
Shine on, shine on
And on to something new
It's long and overdue
Shine on, shine on
And let the others see
You've got your victory
Will you remember me
I was with you in the valley
And up upon that hill
So take just one more step infromt of you
Fir I am with yo ustill
And you're not alone
Shine on, shine on
And on to something new
It's long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on, shine on
And let the others see
You've got your victory
Will you remember me
Can you see my hands are open
I am waiting just ahead
And you think you need it all now
But you needed me instead
Shine on, shine on
Shine, oh shine on
Won't you, won't you shine
Shine on, shine on
And on to something new
It's long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on, shine on
And let the others see
You've got your victory
Will you remember me
Somewhere between the end
And the point where we began...
The lyrics of "Shine On" by NEEDTOBREATHE evoke encouragement and hope to the listener. The song appears to describe a moment of transition, an opportunity to start again, let go of the past, and move forward toward a better future. The opening lines suggest that there is a space amid endings and new beginnings where we can rediscover our inner strength, represented by the image of fire. This fire has the potential to create light and inspire but is presently dimmed, indicating that we have the power to reignite it.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere between the end
In the midst of reaching the end of something and the beginning of another, there lies a place of uncertainty.
And the point where we begin
This is the place where something new can be launched, a fresh start is at hand.
There's a fire burning brightly
Passion still exists, though it may have dimmed because of hardships and setbacks.
That's found it's way to dim
The passion that was once alive and well has slowly diminished.
When the feeling's gone
When the passion is gone, it can be challenging to move on to new things.
Shine on, shine on
But despite these challenges, the message is that one should continue to shine and persevere.
And on to something new
New opportunities abound if one keeps moving forward.
It's long and overdue
It may have taken a while to get here, but it's well worth it to keep striving towards something new.
I will remember you
Sometimes, it's important to remember what was lost in order to move on.
And let the others see
When someone shines on, it serves as an inspiration to those around them.
You've got your victory
No matter the struggles that have been faced, the achievements made along the way should be celebrated.
Will you remember me
The artist is hoping that their memory and influence will not be forgotten once the journey has ended.
I was with you in the valley
The singer acknowledges that there were difficult times, but they were there to support and uplift the person through these moments.
And up upon that hill
There were also moments of success and triumph.
So take just one more step in front of you
No matter how challenging the journey may be, the key is to keep moving forward and taking small steps towards the goal.
For I am with you still
Even in times of loneliness, the artist reminds the person that they are not alone.
And you're not alone
There are people who will still be there to help and support through the toughest of times.
Can you see my hands are open
The singer is extending a hand of support and encouragement once again, hoping that the person sees it.
I am waiting just ahead
There are still more opportunities to be seized and successes to be celebrated, and the singer is ready to encourage the person on this journey.
And you think you need it all now
The person may be feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task ahead.
But you needed me instead
But really, what they need more than anything is that support and encouragement from others.
Shine, oh shine on
A renewed call to persevere and shine on, despite the challenges ahead.
Won't you, won't you shine
The singer is hoping that the person will answer the call and keep shining on, no matter what.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: NATHANIEL RINEHART, WILLIAM RINEHART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind