The group is named for Michael Tait's late father, of whom he says "taught me how to appreciate the human experience whether it be a sunny day, a beautiful lawn, or amazing trees set before an amazing mountain. He taught me how to love and embrace mankind, whether it be a Chinese girl hanging out with a black guy whose mom is a white lady." As for the band's mission, Michael Tait says, "...ultimately I hope and pray [people] see the Gospel... People look for so many other ways to fill the emptiness in their lives, and there's just no way to do it besides Christ."
Musically, the band blends the styles of modern rock, pop, funk, soul, and R&B. Michael Tait describes the group as "guitar-toting, drum-slinging rockers." Preceding the release of their 2001 debut album, Empty, Tait performed selections from the project all over the world, including Amsterdam.
Alibi
Tait Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And your over-rated state of mind
Sometimes you try to move me to you
And make believe that it's all fine
[Chorus]
You say you love me, yes you do
But I know who I'm talking to
And I don't need your alibis
'Cause I can see through all your lies
You say you love me and I'll need you
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
Every storm deserves an ending
And a break to peaceful skies
And every night I pray for my own mending
[Chorus]
Parading around like you're a superstar
Is that who you think you are
The higher you go, yeah, the harder you fall
You say you love me, yes you do
But I know who I'm talking to
You left me so lonely and empty
And I don't need your alibis
'Cause I can see through your disguise
You say you love me and I'll need you
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
The opening lines of the song 'Alibi' by Tait express the singer's struggle to understand the person they are addressing. They find their state of mind overrated and sometimes fake. The person tries to convince the singer that things are okay between them, but the singer sees through their lies. The chorus of the song reflects the singer's disillusionment with the person, telling them that they don't need their alibis because they can see through their lies.
The second verse of the song takes a more reflective turn as the singer sings about their own desire to find peace and healing after their difficult relationship with the person. They pray every night for their own mending, depicting a sense of mental and emotional distress that this relationship has brought upon them. The bridge of the song calls out the person's arrogance and pride, as they parade around like a superstar, not realizing who they truly are. It calls out their inevitable fall from such a high perch. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer's rejection of the person's alibis and fake love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying hard to understand you
I am making an effort to comprehend you
And your over-rated state of mind
And your excessively valued thoughts and emotions
Sometimes you try to move me to you
Occasionally you endeavor to bring me closer to you
And make believe that it's all fine
And pretend that everything is alright
You say you love me, yes you do
You express your affection for me, admittedly
But I know who I'm talking to
However, I am aware of your true identity
You left me so lonely and empty
You departed me feeling desolate and unfulfilled
And I don't need your alibis
And your excuses are unnecessary
'Cause I can see through all your lies
Because I am able to perceive your dishonesty
You say you love me and I'll need you
You claim that I will require your love
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
However, I do not need to live my life in that manner, absolutely not
Every storm deserves an ending
Each tumultuous event deserves a conclusion
And a break to peaceful skies
And a respite to tranquil conditions
And every night I pray for my own mending
And each night, I request for my own healing
Parading around like you're a superstar
Strutting about as if you are a notable personality
Is that who you think you are
Is that how you regard yourself
The higher you go, yeah, the harder you fall
The more elevated your status, the more severe your downfall
You left me so lonely and empty
You left me feeling desolate and unfulfilled
And I don't need your alibis
And your excuses are unnecessary
'Cause I can see through your disguise
Because I am able to perceive your pretense
You say you love me and I'll need you
You claim that I will require your love
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
However, I do not need to live my life in that manner, absolutely not
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: DAVE STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carinainscoe9248
I’ve had this song in my head for a few days and I finally found it praise God! ✝️❤️🙏😁
@TheDlsisterson
“You left me so lonely, empty”
So powerful!!
@guillermoacosta6087
Love this dude. Heart for music, soul for Jesus!
@truthinahandbasket
Tremendous song...album A+++ top to bottom !!
@olimarcapt
Empty, still the best album Michael Tait has ever been associated with.
@Taushathetech
It's my heart. I was 17 bought the album when it came out. Met him at a small church in Missouri, when he did the lose this life album. Some of my best memories
@Taushathetech
Pretty crazy I was following him on Myspace lol, he was making a 3rd album and it fell through, then suddenly Newsboys
@tadmax
You're right. It contains the best-written music. "God Can You Hear Me" off of Lose This Life is up there, too.
@TheSonsOfSimon
I forgot about this song until recently. So good!
@johnreynolds4685
Grrrr-eat song!! One of his best as a solo artist! God bless you all!