They’ve raised the bar with Strength to Survive, their fourth full-length album, an intoxicating mix of hot-rod reggae grooves and urgent, zeitgeist-capturing themes. The album, produced by John Alagia (Dave Matthews, John Mayer, O.A.R.), is the band’s first for ATO, the label co-founded by Dave Matthews.
Hemphill says the album was greatly inspired by Bob Marley’s Survival. “That’s the greatest reggae album ever made,” he says. “It has the best basslines and the best lyrics ever heard on one record. Marley wrote it after he went to Africa. I was 13 or 14 when I listened to it for the first time and it triggered all these long-forgotten memories of when I lived in Africa as a kid. My dad was an IMF res rep in Liberia in the late 80’s. I remember when the coup first started—- my family had to hide in these iron bathtubs for 3 days because the military was shooting at everything. I was 7 and that was one of my first memories. We made it out on the last flight. So Africa was always a big part of our lives—- it defined our family, in a way. Music came right after that, so, for me, music was always tied to Africa and music was always something powerful.”
Shortly after returning from Africa, Hemphill met Bobby Lee (bass) in the first grade in Virginia. The two instantly became best friends, finding common ground through their love of hip hop, rock and reggae which they performed together at their middle school talent shows. Throughout high school, they met Ryan Berty (drums), Kenneth Brownell (percussion) and Patrick O’Shea (keyboards) and together formed SOJA. The band gigged locally in the DC area while a couple of the guys finished school, all the while making plans to hit the road after graduation. They actually wound up owning the road.
Over the course of the past few years, SOJA has sold more than 200,000 albums, headlined large theaters in more than 20 countries around the world, generated over 40 million YouTube views, amassed nearly 2 million Facebook fans, and attracted an almost Grateful Dead-like international fanbase that grows with each tour, with caravans of diehards following them from city to city. Most impressive of all, they’ve accomplished all this on their own. This 8-piece band has spent the past year and a half grinding it out from venue to venue, playing more than 360 dates, including headlining sold-out tours of North and South America, as well as opening for O.A.R. and sharing stages with everyone from Dave Matthews Band to Matisyahu.
With Strength to Survive, the band makes an impassioned call for unity and change with universally relatable songs about faith, hope and love. “I could go on and on about the horrible damage we’ve done to the earth or the problems that arise when countries compete for money over an imaginary border, but the album has one central theme,” says Hemphill, “and that’s our hope for the world to be one family.”
It’s a concept best exemplified in the song “Everything Changes.” “People out there with no food at night,” sings Hemphill, “And we say we care, but we don’t, so we all lie/But what if there’s more to this, and one day we become what we do, not what we say/Maybe we need to want to fix it. Maybe stop talking, maybe start listening/ Maybe we need to look at this world less like a square and more like a circle.”
Among the album’s many highlights is the ethereal “Let You Go,” about the road not taken, “Mentality,” the disc’s hard-hitting opening track, and the one-two punch of “Be With Me Now” and “When We Were Younger,” the latter bringing together the macro and the micro with the simple yet resonant line, “All of my answers, now that I’m older, turn into questions.”
Hemphill says the band’s simple and honest approach to music is what’s enabled them to break through obstacles of language, distance and culture in amassing an international following. “What’s the alternative – pop music?” he laughs. “Pop music—especially American pop music, is about having money, sleeping with models, living in mansions, spending all of our time in clubs and generally being better than the rest of the world. It’s funny, ‘cuz everyone here is broke. We sing about different things—things that actually matter. I think our fans appreciate that.”
“When I look out in the audience and I see these kids with tears in their eyes, not because I’m singing a love song, but because I’m singing about how the world is dying and we’re the only ones who can stop it, that is huge. I live for that. We played a festival in Brazil in front of 80,000 people, and everybody was singing every word—in English. After one of the songs, I told them, ‘We’re on the road a lot, and people always ask me, “Don’t you ever get homesick? Don’t you miss your family?” I said, ‘It took me awhile to realize this, but this is my home, and you all are my family.’ The place just blew up. It was amazing. But it’s the truth—those are my people and I always want to do right by them. It’s is the only game in town for me.” ❖
Shadow
Soldiers of Jah Army Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
You never go back on and never turn around,
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
So why try to please everyone?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love, and out and get love back
Is to show some faith and get respect
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
So look inside and you'll find step one,
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
Cause I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
That love is the motive in everything you do,
And revolution is you and you're against the machine,
You know who you are and you know what I mean
And when this record stops you would never slow down,
When the video is over you want your turn now so,
You make the truth and move straight ahead,
While the followers behind you get left for dead
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules,
Created by individuals who unlike you
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
They love it their way, and they love unequal
And they love when they feel above someone,
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
Cause I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
The song "Shadow" by Soldiers of Jah Army (SOJA) speaks about being true to oneself and not being influenced or controlled by others. The lyrics emphasize the importance of standing up and making a difference in the world, rather than simply following the crowd. The opening lines, "I'm not a shadow, I'm not the ground beneath your feet," suggest a longing to be seen and heard as an individual, rather than blending in with the masses. The repeated refrain "I'm not a shadow" underscores this desire for individuality and autonomy.
The verse "Here's to you don't settle, and never separate" encourages listeners to stay true to their beliefs, even in the face of opposition. The line "Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds" highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. The song's theme of standing up for oneself is echoed in the verse "You make the truth and move straight ahead, while the followers behind you get left for dead." The song acknowledges the difficulties of being different and going against the norm but encourages listeners to be resilient and not give up.
In summary, "Shadow" is a call to action for individuality, authenticity, and activism in the face of conformity and pressure to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not a shadow,
I am not a faint, indistinct shape on the ground or an inferior being.
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I am not something that can be trampled on or taken advantage of.
When you look down, you wont see me
If you only look at things superficially, you will miss noticing me.
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I have the courage to stand up for myself and what I believe in.
Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
Stay true to yourself and your values.
And never be quiet cause the words you say
Speak up for what is right and just.
You never go back on and never turn around,
Once you have made a commitment, you stick to it.
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Do not be judgmental or dismiss someone just because their ideas sound unconventional or different.
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
When you look beyond superficial differences, you see that all people are connected as human beings.
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
When you have a bigger perspective and see the interconnectedness of all things, you recognize that everyone is more alike than different.
If they're not with you, then they're against
If someone is not actively supporting you, they are inadvertently working against you.
And were here now when they are way back when
While we are present and in the moment, they are stuck in the past.
So why try to please everyone?
It is impossible to satisfy everyone and still be true to yourself.
When it seems that all the people really want
Despite what people say they want, what they truly yearn for is love and respect.
Is to show love, and out and get love back
By demonstrating kindness and compassion, you invite it in return.
Is to show some faith and get respect
If you have faith in others, they will honor and respect you.
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
By acknowledging the issues and challenges in the world, you can work towards finding solutions.
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
Despite our efforts, we continue to struggle with the problem of hatred and intolerance.
So look inside and you'll find step one,
The first step towards creating a better world is to reflect on our own actions and beliefs.
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
I am bright and radiant, like the warmth and light of the sun.
Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
This is a reference to someone who is misunderstood or judged unfairly.
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You refuse to conform to societal norms or expectations.
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
You do not seek validation or acceptance from others, even when you have demonstrated your worth.
That love is the motive in everything you do,
Love is the driving force and motivation behind all of your actions and choices.
And revolution is you and you're against the machine,
You see yourself as a catalyst for change and are opposed to the system or status quo.
You know who you are and you know what I mean
You have a strong sense of self-identity and purpose.
And when this record stops you would never slow down,
Even when the music ends, your drive and determination continue.
When the video is over you want your turn now so,
You are not content to just be a spectator and want to be active and involved.
You make the truth and move straight ahead,
You create your own reality and take decisive action.
While the followers behind you get left for dead
Those who blindly follow without questioning are left behind.
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules,
People who succumb to mindless propaganda and conditioning follow foolish laws and regulations.
Created by individuals who unlike you
Those who do not share your unique perspective and beliefs.
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
They are indifferent or apathetic to the needs and welfare of society.
They love it their way, and they love unequal
They prioritize their own agenda and are comfortable with inequality.
And they love when they feel above someone,
They derive pleasure from exerting power or control over others.
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
You do not blindly follow authority figures or conform to misguided beliefs.
Contributed by Carson H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rafaelfrando1395
I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
And never be quiet cause the words you say
You never go back on and never turn around,
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
So why try to please everyone?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love, and out and get love back
Is to show some faith and get respect
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
So look inside and you'll find step one,
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
Cause I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
That love is the motive in everything you do,
And revolution is you and you're against the machine,
You know who you are and you know what I mean
And when this record stops you would never slow down,
When the video is over you want your turn now so,
You make the truth and move straight ahead,
While the followers behind you get left for dead
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules,
Created by individuals who unlike you
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
They love it their way, and they love unequal
And they love when they feel above someone,
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
Cause I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
@perolasilva3695
Soja muito bom canta muito
@priscillamiranda380
ahhh essa música 💙
@MariaJoaoVzinha
Jacob's voice is so amazing! This new album is extraordinary just like their other ones! SOJA <3
@elmundodepaula479
In love with the song!!! ❤️❤️❤️
@frankiedejesus129
Wow Trevor cans SING!!!! Awesome!!!! This live performance was awesome! Hope they come to Nashville soon.
@matrizoischer2188
muito bom. ..
@ArmandoRasta
I love this! I love SOJA..peace and love brothers.
@rafaelfrando1395
I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
And never be quiet cause the words you say
You never go back on and never turn around,
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
So why try to please everyone?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love, and out and get love back
Is to show some faith and get respect
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
So look inside and you'll find step one,
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
Cause I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
That love is the motive in everything you do,
And revolution is you and you're against the machine,
You know who you are and you know what I mean
And when this record stops you would never slow down,
When the video is over you want your turn now so,
You make the truth and move straight ahead,
While the followers behind you get left for dead
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules,
Created by individuals who unlike you
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
They love it their way, and they love unequal
And they love when they feel above someone,
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
Cause I'm not a shadow,
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I'm not a shadow,
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, cause I'm not a shadow
@davidsonyuri4804
Rafael Frando valeuuuuuu!!!!!!
@UMO805
i honestly like this version of Shadow way better then the actual album. They put some weird reverb effect on Trevors voice and it sounds great how it naturally is already.