Their song "Piece By Piece" was featured on the soundtrack for the movie "The Punisher"[2], and the video game "Madden NFL 2005."[3] Another song "Never There (She Stabs)," was featured on the soundtrack of the movie Elektra.[4] Music videos were made for their two singles, "The Panic" and "Never There (She Stabs)."
The band released their second album titled "Strata Presents the End of the World" on July 17, 2007, featuring the singles "Stay Young" and "Cocaine (We're All Going to Hell)".
Strata went on hiatus in January 2008, when vocalist Eric Victorino left to pursue other creative endeavors. He is now in The Limousines. Guitarist Ryan Hernandez and drummer Adrian Robison both formed Beta State.
In 2015, Strata released The Sawmill Sessions EP
In July 2020, Strata came out of their hiatus and released a single titled "Around the Bend".
Current lineup
Ryan Hernandez – guitar, vocals, synthesizer, piano (2000-2008, 2014-)
Hrag Chanchanian – bass, piano (2000-2008, 2014-)
Eric Victorino – vocals, guitar (2000-2008, 2014-)
Jonathan Poso – piano, synthesizer (2017-)
Jim Leadbetter - drums (2019-)
Former members
Patrick Spain - drums (2000-2003)
Adrian Robison – drums, programming (2003-2008)
Andy Bailey – drums (2014-2019)
Hot/Cold
Strata Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My eyes were stinging hot.
The first of the tears to fall hurts the worst of all.
I had it all planned out, what I was going to say.
But then that lump in my throat stole my words away.
Darling, if nothing else, I know that this is true;
But you said your hope was lost, my eyes were stinging hot,
The first of the tears to fall
Have you given too much away?
Are you giving us up?
Did the going get tough this time?
Don't give up on us.
I said, "look at the map on the wall, put your fingers on where we are,
No matter where I go we're just an inch apart."
You interrupted and said, "not that old speech again!
If we're just an inch apart, then reach out and grab my hand."
Have you given too much away?
Are you giving us up?
Did the going get tough this time?
Don't give up on us, don't give up
I know that this is true, at least it used to be,
You'd have nobody if you don't have me
And didn't we say forever?
Didn't I promise you?
Didn't we say forever?
Darling don't, darling, don't.
We didn't come this far just to throw it all away.
Have you given too much, Darling?
Are you giving us up?
Did the going get tough this time?
Don't give up on us.
The song Hot/Cold by Strata is a poignant portrayal of a couple struggling in a relationship. The first stanza describes the onset of an emotional conversation between the two. The person speaking says that they had planned out what they were going to say but when they began to speak, they were too choked up by their own tears to get the words out. The refrain of the song is "Have you given too much away? Are you giving us up? Did the going get tough this time? Don't give up on us." Despite the difficulties the couple is facing, they are urging each other to hold on, emphasizing that they would be lost and alone without each other.
Throughout the song, there are hints of past promises and commitment. The singer reminds their partner of the promises they made to each other, particularly the promise of forever. However, despite these promises, there is a sense that the relationship is under threat. This is reinforced by the line "Are you giving us up?" and the refrain which repeats the idea of giving up on each other. The second half of the song describes the couple reaching out to each other, trying to find a way to bridge the distance that has grown between them. The singer asks their partner to reach out and hold their hand, emphasizing how close they still are to one another. Despite the difficulties they are facing, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the refrain reminding the listener not to give up on something that has come so far.
One interesting fact about Hot/Cold is that it was included in the soundtrack for the popular video game, Need for Speed: Most Wanted. The band's name is derived from the geological term "strata", which refers to layers of sedimentary rock. This ties into the band's themes of layers and complexity in their music. The song was released in 2004 as part of the band's album, Strata Presents The End of The World, and received positive reviews from critics. Hot/Cold was also featured in an episode of the popular teen drama, The O.C. The band underwent several line-up changes over the years, eventually disbanding in 2008. However, they have since reformed and continue to play music together. Hot/Cold remains one of their most popular and enduring songs.
Chords (capo 1st fret):
Verse: Em, C, G, D
Chorus: C, G, D, Em
Line by Line Meaning
You said your hope was lost.
You expressed that you have lost hope.
My eyes were stinging hot.
My eyes were filled with tears and stinging with emotion.
The first of the tears to fall hurts the worst of all.
The first tear to fall is often the most painful.
I had it all planned out, what I was going to say.
I had a plan in mind for what I was going to say to you.
But then that lump in my throat stole my words away.
But my emotions got the better of me and I couldn't articulate my thoughts.
Darling, if nothing else, I know that this is true;
My love, I know this one thing to be true;
I'd have nobody if I don't have you.
Without you, I would be alone.
Have you given too much away?
Have you sacrificed too much for us?
Are you giving us up?
Are you ending our relationship?
Did the going get tough this time?
Did our current challenge become too difficult for you?
Don't give up on us.
Please don't give up on our love.
I said, "look at the map on the wall, put your fingers on where we are,
I pointed to the map on the wall and asked you to place your fingers where we are located,
No matter where I go we're just an inch apart."
No matter where I am, we are still so close.
You interrupted and said, "not that old speech again!
You cut me off and expressed annoyance with my words,
If we're just an inch apart, then reach out and grab my hand."
If we are so close, then take my hand and don't be afraid.
I know that this is true, at least it used to be,
I believed this to be true, or at least it was in the past,
"You'd have nobody if you don't have me
Without me, you would have no one.
And didn't we say forever?
Didn't we make a promise to be together for always?
Didn't I promise you?
Didn't I make a vow to you?
Darling don't, darling, don't.
My love, please don't end our relationship.
We didn't come this far just to throw it all away.
We've come so far, let's not give up on each other now.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ADRIAN ROBISON, ERIC VICTORINO, HRAG CHANCHANIAN, RYAN HERNANDEZ, SAM WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mentaltelepathy24
this song never ever gets old.
@TapesTree
It’s true. I’m ten years older than your comment.
@maritwendy
This song is amazing.
@Hboss909
brings back so many memories! so glad they reunited ! can't wait to finally see them live
@ryanpohara43
This song… takes me back so many years. So many memories.
@summontheshadow
this song is amazing. i can't even fathom explaining how truly beautiful this was to listen and relate to.
@sgnebmak
When this album came out I hated it, because I loved their first album (esp I Will Breathe Fire). But after a few more listens it grew on me. This song's beautiful.
@divinityadieu
my favourite song by them. <3
@Dalen1212
This song is Beautiful... Miss this band
@chibimellogirl
<3 this song is amazing!