If ever there was a band that gave life to that weird South African music p… Read Full Bio ↴If ever there was a band that gave life to that weird South African music phenomenon which has everyone who hears their music assuming they are an international act, then Niemand is it.

For months now, the four piece’s melodic rock has dominated airwaves, with songs like “Words”, "All I Have", "The Hardest Thing" and “Simple Truth” easily slipping into the hearts and minds of music fans now rapidly cottoning onto the fact that Niemand is proudly South African – a truly homegrown group that makes music of a global standard.

Joe Niemand’s soaring vocals are the signature that set Niemand apart from their offset. Hailed as one of South Africa’s most promising talents, this award-winning songwriter’s music has been heard in more than 13 countries worldwide.
Jake Odendaal, dynamic lead guitarist and critically acclaimed producer is a force to be reckoned with on stage. Jake lives for the stage where his energy as a performer meets his consummate musicality.
Jake is joined by his brother, Thinus Odendaal, who at 25 has experience in the international arena as the drummer of Tree63, the band awarded the “American Billboard Chart, Christian Song of the year 2004.” Thinus who has recently returned to SA to join Niemand believes that his future lies with Niemand and that the possibilities in this tight unit are indeed endless.

http://www.niemand.co.za/portals/14/home.htm

Welcome Home
Niemand Lyrics

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I've been down there where sarcasm rules
And solitude is the enemy
Where sincerity is feared and mocked
Where everything's a game and commitment sucks
Cheap sex and expensive highs
Where the truth hurts and comfort is found in lies

But I've been reborn

I see a new sky
'Cause I've been reborn
I met Jesus on a rocky road, thought He'd judge me, thought He'd be cold, but He just
Held me, said, welcome home

I've been down there where I always had to be right
So the suspicion of something big being wrong, didn't keep me awake at night
Self respect was unflinching pride
I just lived for myself and had thought of suicide

Thought I was no good
And spent all of my time
Reminding everyone
They had nothing better than mine

But I've been reborn, I see a new sky
'Cause I've been reborn
I met Jesus on a rocky road, thought He'd judge me, thought He'd be cold, but He just
Held me, said, welcome home

Now I know I'm not alone, everyone's searching in their own way
We are pawns of the dark, we are children of the light
All rolled into one
Lifelong fight

But I've been reborn (I've been reborn)
I see a new sky
'Cause I've been reborn (I've been reborn)
I met Jesus on a rocky road, thought He'd judge me, thought He'd be cold, but He just
Held me

And said, welcome home
Welcome home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Niemand's song 'Welcome Home' describe the journey of a person who has been through a difficult time in life, where sarcasm rules, loneliness is felt, and sincerity is mocked. The person had believed that everything was a game and commitment was not worth it. The person had indulged in cheap sex and expensive highs, where truth hurts, and lies bring comfort. The person had felt unworthy, and self-respect was unflinching pride that even led to thoughts of suicide, and the person had lived for themselves. However, the person was reborn and has now found a new way of life. The rebirth came after they met Jesus, who they had thought would judge them and be cold, but instead, they were welcomed with open arms.

The lyrics are a representation of how faith can offer hope and an alternative way of life for individuals who have struggled or are struggling with self-worth and self-respect, ultimately leading to self-destructive behavior. By finding faith, individuals can experience a sense of renewal, a new sense of purpose, and a new way of looking at life. The lyrics also suggest that despite our individual struggles, we are all searching for something and that we are all pawns of the dark and children of the light, all rolled into one, fighting an ongoing battle throughout our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been down there where sarcasm rules
I have experienced a place where sarcasm is honored and considered as a way of life.

And solitude is the enemy
In that place, being alone is viewed as a threat.

Where sincerity is feared and mocked
People in that place fear and ridicule sincerity.

Where everything's a game and commitment sucks
In that place, everything is treated as a game, and getting committed to anything is undesirable.

Cheap sex and expensive highs
People in that place engage in immoral activities like sex and drugs, which are often costly.

Where the truth hurts and comfort is found in lies
In that place, the truth is unpleasant, and lies provide more comfort.

But I've been reborn
However, I've undergone a transformation.

I see a new sky
Now, I perceive things differently.

'Cause I've been reborn
My rebirth brought about this change.

I met Jesus on a rocky road, thought He'd judge me, thought He'd be cold, but He just
I encountered Jesus in my journey, believing He would evaluate and distance Himself from me, but instead...

Held me, said, welcome home
...he held me close and welcomed me home.

Now I know I'm not alone, everyone's searching in their own way
I've realized that my search for meaning and purpose is shared with everyone.

We are pawns of the dark, we are children of the light
We are all influenced by the negative aspects of life, but we can also draw from the positive attributes and bring light to our existence.

All rolled into one
We take on the characteristics of both the dark and the light.

Lifelong fight
Our search and struggle for meaning is a lifelong process.

And said, welcome home
As Jesus did to me, he welcomes us all to our true home.

Welcome home
A final statement of acceptance and belonging.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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