Their name was inspired by a street in Indiana where lead singer Derek Williams grew up. “When my parents divorced, my mother moved my brother and I to Alabama,” says Williams. “We ended up leaving our lives and comforts behind to take a big risk as a family. Fast forward a few years and I felt like I was back in the same situation. Our band, Ohio Avenue, decided to try to play music full time. It was a big risk for us to leave our day jobs and rely on the band for income, but we knew it was the right thing to do.”
Though relatively new to the rock scene, the band has managed to make a powerful impact. Their debut EP was produced by Barry Blair and their single “Close to Me” received airplay across the Southeast. The band just finished a full-length project in late 2009 with producer Adam Smith called “The Sound.” The cd will be releasing on Itunes, Amazon, and other major retailers on February 16, 2010.
Ohio Avenue has landed opening slots for bands like Switchfoot and Needtobreathe. Most recently, the band has been invited to play at music festivals like Enfuego, City Stages, The Big Ticket Festival, and Cornerstone. In addition, Ohio Avenue was a favorite at NACA South 2009, booking over 30 shows at colleges across the Southeast.
As of today, Ohio Avenue is traveling and performing at venues all over the Southeast. They hope that their music will impact the people they meet in a meaningful way.
Shine Through
Ohio Avenue Lyrics
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Somehow I think it's a matter of time
The sky is cloudy, the water's rising
But I know we'll be safe tonight
When the sunlight's fading
And we're broken and abused
You will shine through
'Cause when the night is darkest
And the lies feel like the truth
You will shine through
We will see you
We're feeling tired of all this fighting
We take a breath just to do it again
When hope is shattered and dreams are stolen
You can show us where to begin
You are never far away
Far away
When the sunlight's fading
And we're broken and abused
You will shine through
We will see you
'Cause when the night is darkest
And the lies feel like the truth
You will shine through
We will see you
The sky is cloudy, the waters are rising
But I know I'm safe, shine through
The road is winding, oh God, we need You
To lead the way, shine through
When the sunlight's fading
And we're broken and abused
You will shine through
We will see you
'Cause when the night is darkest
And the lies feel like the truth
You will shine through
We will see you
The Ohio Avenue's song "Shine Through" speaks about finding hope and light amidst the darkness and chaos of life. The lyrics express a sense of inevitability in the difficulties and struggles that one encounters, but also a strong belief that there is something more than the negative experiences. The first stanza shows that the singer is aware that something is about to happen and there is no escape from it. The next two lines establish that there is danger, symbolized by the cloudy sky and rising water. But the singer also expresses confidence that they will be safe despite the danger.
As the song progresses, the singer speaks about the experience of being worn down by continuous fighting and losing hope for their dreams. But there is always a way to begin again and the presence of a guiding force that can help them through their troubles. The refrain "When the sunlight's fading and we're broken and abused, you will shine through, we will see you" reinforces the idea of hope in the midst of darkness. The song gives a message of hope, that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light to guide and help overcome.
Overall, the song speaks of a universal human experience of facing difficulties and seeking hope and guidance to navigate through life's trials.
Line by Line Meaning
I feel it coming, can't escape it
There is an impending event or situation that cannot be avoided.
Somehow I think it's a matter of time
The event or situation is inevitable and bound to happen.
The sky is cloudy, the water's rising
The environment is ominous and possibly dangerous.
But I know we'll be safe tonight
Despite the danger, there is hope for safety and security.
When the sunlight's fading
During times of darkness and despair.
And we're broken and abused
When we are emotionally or physically hurt and battered.
You will shine through
A higher power or force will emerge to offer relief and guidance.
We will see you
We will notice the presence and effects of this force.
'Cause when the night is darkest
When things are at their bleakest and most hopeless.
And the lies feel like the truth
When falsehoods, deception, and negativity are pervasive and overwhelming.
We're feeling tired of all this fighting
We are weary and discouraged from constant conflict and struggle.
We take a breath just to do it again
We barely have time to recover before facing another challenge.
When hope is shattered and dreams are stolen
When our aspirations and goals are disrupted or destroyed.
You can show us where to begin
The higher power can guide us towards a fresh start or a new path forward.
You are never far away
The higher power is always present and available to us.
The road is winding, oh God, we need You
The journey ahead is uncertain and we require divine assistance and intervention.
Contributed by Makayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.