With the soft release of "The Restless EP" in 2011 (recorded with legendary producer Jim Wirt--who broke Jack's Mannequin, Incubus, and Hoobastank), lead-singer Jordan Thompson celebrated a culmination of 10 years experience as a singer/songwriter, and presented his long-awaited solo debut under the name 'Striking Back.'
Now Thompson has teamed up with some of Seattle's best rappers, Hyphen8d and Parker Joe--not to mention two top-notch band member additions in Jeff Lund (piano) and Tacket Brown (drums)--and "The Heartbreaker EP" has been created. The release date of this much-anticipated collaboration is still undetermined, but the single "Heartbreaker" is now available for free download.
After touring and writing music for a decade, Jordan has learned exactly what makes him tick--"There's no better feeling than putting your heart out on your sleeve in front of thousands of people and having them connect with you"--and he's not going to stop there.
Taking early inspiration from greats like Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, and Nirvana, Jordan had his first break opening for Something Corporate in 2005 with his band Fighting For Nothing. "That was the first time I realized that I could really do it, when I met Andrew McMahon and hung out with those guys," says Jordan. Coincidentally, that was the first time that Jordan heard about legendary producer Jim Wirt--who teamed up with arranger Patrick Warren (Rob Thomas, Kate Voegele, Bruce Springsteen, Avril Lavigne) to produce "The Restless EP."
The collaboration produced extraordinary results. "There is a passion in his voice that is unique and compelling," commented Wirt. "This is something that can only be achieved when your art speaks from your very soul." Songs like "Restless" and "Dark Day Afternoon" express a deep sentimental knowledge about living with the "distractions of our culture and society that prevent us from realizing ourselves."
In the meantime, Jordan and his band wait in Seattle--preparing for a national tour that will further-solidify Striking Back's place in the pop/rock arena.
According to Jordan, "the name represents my striking back at all the things that prevented me from writing the music I wanted, and sharing it with the world."
Restless
Striking Back Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you can't see through the clouds to the stars
No one is driving and I am colliding with all that you are
Arrows broken. You can't find me any more
And I'm Restless. How bout you?
Tired of feeling used
Nothing and nobody else can change the way I feel
Like and empty smile, you don't know what to guess
With my hands tied down and heart consumed, I must confess
I am naked, and I'm lying on the ice
I am broken--outspoken for advice
And I'm Restless. How bout you?
Tired of feeling used
Nothing and nobody else can change the way I feel
Lift me up
I am frail, like shadows in colour
That fall upon the trail
And I'm Restless. How bout you?
Yeh I'm Restless. How bout you?
Tired of feeling used
Nothing and nobody else can change the way I feel
The verses of "Restless" paint a picture of confusion and uncertainty. The singer finds themselves lost in the dark, unable to see any bright spots ahead due to the clouds blocking the stars. They feel like they're colliding with someone or something, perhaps a metaphor for the chaos they're feeling inside. The arrows are broken, meaning they can't find their way out of this state. The chorus reveals the title of the song and the emotion the singer is feeling: restless. They're tired of feeling used and can't seem to shake this feeling, no matter what or who else enters their life. The second verse continues with a description of feeling empty, with hands tied down as if trapped. They're laying on ice, a metaphor for isolation or feeling cold and worthless. They're broken and need advice but feel like they're without a voice. The final plea to lift them up portrays a sense of helplessness, like a person trying to navigate a dark forest with no map or compass.
Overall, the song "Restless" is a gut-wrenching expression of vulnerability, insecurity, and emotional exhaustion. It seems to be the singer's desperate cry for help as they try to break out of this cycle of feeling used and restless.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a walk in the dark, you don't know where you are
Feeling lost and unsure of my surroundings
And you can't see through the clouds to the stars
Unable to see hope or positivity in my situation
No one is driving and I am colliding with all that you are
Feeling helpless and out of control in a relationship
Arrows broken. You can't find me any more
Having lost direction and feeling invisible to those around me
And I'm Restless. How bout you?
Expressing a sense of agitation and unease, wondering if others feel the same
Tired of feeling used
Feeling taken advantage of and worn out
Nothing and nobody else can change the way I feel
Realizing that only I have the power to change my emotions
Like an empty smile, you don't know what to guess
Feeling fake and uncertain of what others are thinking of me
With my hands tied down and heart consumed, I must confess
Feeling trapped and overwhelmed by my emotions
I am naked, and I'm lying on the ice
Feeling exposed and vulnerable in a difficult situation
I am broken--outspoken for advice
Feeling shattered and in need of guidance
Lift me up
Asking for support and encouragement
I am frail, like shadows in colour
Feeling weak and lacking vitality, like a faded version of myself
That fall upon the trail
Referring to my struggles and setbacks as obstacles on my path
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Jordan Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind