While many groups that mix reggae with rock go for the laid-back vibes and … Read Full Bio ↴While many groups that mix reggae with rock go for the laid-back vibes and represent the permanent vacation lifestyle, the Savannah, Georgia-based Passafire prefer a more punchy, punky, and progressive version of reggae-rock. Formed in 2003 with the Savannah College of Art and Design as their home base, the four-piece launched their career through rigorous touring and a self-titled, self-released album that appeared in 2006. Two years later, they signed with fellow rock-reggae group Pepper's imprint LAW and released their sophomore effort, Submersible, with Everyone on Everynight following on the label in 2009. With guidance from the people at LAW, Passafire formed their own imprint, Flame Guy Records, and released their fourth album, the Paul Leary-produced Start from Scratch, in 2011. Life on their own didn't last long as Easy Star Records signed the group in 2012. Their album Vines appeared on the label a year later, debuting at number one on the Billboard Reggae Chart.

Here in Front of Me
Passafire Lyrics

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Sun shines down on the mountain side
Lonely cloud that blocks the light
Shadow cast on the face of the range
In the shape of a burning flame

If there's a sign please let me know
It's got me feeling uncomfortable
Incidence is a terrible thing

When it's actually happening
I... is it actually happening
I... right here in front of me

Never seen something like this before
Buy supplies gotta look for more
There's no still frame this is life
No film left behind these eyes
Edging closer towards the place I know
Fog on the panes of the cold window
Footprints fade in the falling snow
If it's a sign just let me know

If there's a sign please let me know
It's got me feeling uncomfortable
Incidence is a terrible thing
When it's actually happening

I... is it actually happening
I... right here in front of me

Overall Meaning

In Passafire's song "Here in Front of Me", the first verse sets the scene for a picture of sunlight shining on a mountain-side, with a lone cloud blocking the light and casting a shadow on the range. This shadow is described as being in the shape of a burning flame, which could suggest a sense of danger or foreboding. The singer then wonders if there is a sign he should be aware of, as he is feeling uncomfortable and uncertain. He muses about the nature of incidence, and how difficult it can be to determine whether something is actually happening, or just a figment of one's imagination.

In the second verse, the singer continues to describe his surroundings, saying he has never seen something like this before, and needs to buy supplies and prepare for the unknown. He reflects on the fact that this is real life, not just a movie, and there will be no film left behind for someone to watch later. As he gets closer to his destination, he notices fog on the window pane, and footprints fading in the snow. He again questions whether these are signs that he should be paying attention to.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of uncertainty and unease, as the singer tries to make sense of his surroundings and determine what, if anything, he should be doing. The repeated chorus of "If there's a sign, please let me know / It's got me feeling uncomfortable / Incidence is a terrible thing / When it's actually happening / I... is it actually happening / I... right here in front of me" highlights the theme of confusion and a desire for clarity.

Line by Line Meaning

Sun shines down on the mountain side
The sun is shining down on the side of the mountain, providing light and warmth to the area.

Lonely cloud that blocks the light
A single cloud is blocking the sunlight, creating a shadow on the ground.

Shadow cast on the face of the range
The shadow caused by the cloud is covering a large area of the mountain range and can be seen on its face.

In the shape of a burning flame
The shadow looks like the shape of a flame, as if the mountain is on fire.

If there's a sign please let me know
The artist is asking for a sign, some indication that can help them understand what is happening in their surroundings.

It's got me feeling uncomfortable
The singer is feeling uneasy and anxious about the situation they are in.

Incidence is a terrible thing
Bad things happening are always difficult and unpleasant to deal with.

When it's actually happening
The artist is pointing out the fact that the situation they are in is real and not imagined.

I... is it actually happening
The artist is questioning whether the situation they are in is actually happening or if it's just their imagination.

I... right here in front of me
The artist realizes that the situation they are questioning is happening right in front of them.

Never seen something like this before
The singer is stating that they have never encountered something similar to the situation they are currently in.

Buy supplies gotta look for more
The artist needs to purchase supplies and is searching for more options.

There's no still frame this is life
Life is unpredictable and constantly changing, unlike a still frame photograph.

No film left behind these eyes
The singer cannot record the situation they are in like a film or photograph. They can only experience it through their eyes and memories.

Edging closer towards the place I know
The singer is moving closer to a place they are familiar with.

Fog on the panes of the cold window
The cold outside air is causing the windows to fog up and obstruct the view.

Footprints fade in the falling snow
The artist can see how their footprints fade in the fresh snow, a reminder of things constantly changing and disappearing.

Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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