Strata is a four-piece from Campbell, California. Strata released two inde… Read Full Bio ↴Strata is a four-piece from Campbell, California. Strata released two independent EPs before their major-label debut. In 2001, under their previous name Downside, they released a 9 track disc entitled "Sleep," and in 2003 a 7 track disc under the Strata name entitled "Now the Industry is Outnumbered. Their Factories are Burning Down." In 2004 they released their self-entitled debut album on Wind-Up Records. The album featured on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, where it peaked at #41.[1]

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)

Poughkeepsie NY
Strata Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I met the Devil in Poughkeepsie, New York.
He took a seat right beside me at the end of the bar.
He said I looked familiar, had we met sometime before?

Yeah, I drank with the Devil in Poughkeepsie, New York.
And I confessed I hadn't prayed to God since nineteen-eighty-eight,
He said, "oh kid, you should try again you know, before it's too late."

I asked him where my soul would go if I just dropped dead today,
He smiled and said
"Oh, you've got some good friends waiting for you at the gates."
Hallelujah! O', Hallelujah! He said,
"Just say the word and I'll give you fame and fancy whores,
Or would you rather die a simple man, just honest and poor?"

I said,
"Well now I know who my real friends are and I can't ask for much more."

I thanked the Devil for my drinks and made my way for the door.
Hallelujah! O', Hallelujah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Strata's "Poughkeepsie NY" tell a story of the singer sitting at the end of a bar, where he meets the Devil. The Devil strikes up a conversation with the singer and notes that he looks familiar, prompting the comparison of this encounter to a previous meeting between the two. The singer admits to not having prayed to God in many years and asks the Devil where his soul would go if he died. The Devil responds with a sinister smile, telling the singer that he has good friends waiting for him at the gates. The Devil then offers the singer fame and riches, warning him that there is still time to pray to God before it's too late. The singer, however, declines the Devil's offer and opts to die a simple man, content with the knowledge that he has true friends in life.

The song can be interpreted in a few ways, but one prominent interpretation is that the Devil represents temptation and sins of the flesh. The Devil's words are seductive, offering wealth and pleasure in exchange for the singer's soul, which represents the heart and essence of a person. The singer, however, values his authentic relationships and chooses to decline the Devil's alluring proposition, understanding that true wealth comes from within.

Line by Line Meaning

I met the Devil in Poughkeepsie, New York.
I encountered the ultimate evil in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York.

He took a seat right beside me at the end of the bar.
The Devil sat next to me at the furthest point of the bar.

He said I looked familiar, had we met sometime before?
The Devil recognized me and wondered if we had met previously.

Yeah, I drank with the Devil in Poughkeepsie, New York.
I had the opportunity to drink with the Devil in Poughkeepsie, New York.

And I confessed I hadn't prayed to God since nineteen-eighty-eight,
I admitted to the Devil that I have not prayed to God since the year 1988.

He said, "oh kid, you should try again you know, before it's too late."
The Devil advised me that I should attempt prayer once more, before it becomes too late.

I asked him where my soul would go if I just dropped dead today,
I inquired about the fate of my soul if I were to die at that very moment.

He smiled and said
The Devil's immediate response was a smile.

"Oh, you've got some good friends waiting for you at the gates."
The Devil informed me that I have trustworthy friends eagerly anticipating my arrival.

Hallelujah! O', Hallelujah! He said,
The Devil expressed, "Hallelujah" before continuing his statement.

"Just say the word and I'll give you fame and fancy whores,
The Devil presented a tempting offer of fame and pleasure.

Or would you rather die a simple man, just honest and poor?"
The Devil inquired whether I prefer death as a modest individual without financial possessions.

I said,
I replied to the Devil.

"Well now I know who my real friends are and I can't ask for much more."
I refused the offer, as I appreciate my true companions before materialistic possessions.

I thanked the Devil for my drinks and made my way for the door.
I showed gratitude to the Devil for the beverage, and left the bar.

Hallelujah! O', Hallelujah
The song finishes, emphasizing the events that previously occurred and the decision made.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ADRIAN ROBISON, ERIC VICTORINO, HRAG CHANCHANIAN, RYAN HERNANDEZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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