The Audition are a pop/rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2003. The b… Read Full Bio ↴The Audition are a pop/rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2003. The band is comprised of drummer Ryan O'Connor, lead guitarist Seth Johnson and rhythm guitarist Timmy Klepek who are from Chicago, with lead vocalist Danny Stevens who is from Detroit, Michigan. The band was originally formed by former bassist Joe Lussa, former guitarist Bob Morris, former vocalist Evo Soria and current drummer Ryan O'Connor, and has gone through multiple lineup changes since then. The band's first release was a six track demo entitled "Every Scar Has It's Moment". Their First produced EP, "All In Your Head", was recorded at the gallery of carpet in chicago, it was the last album before all the current members were added to the lineup. In early 2005, they signed to record label Victory Records and followed that up with national touring. Afterwards, they released their debut album, entitled "Controversy Loves Company", which was the first LP on their new label, to mixed reviews. In early January 2008 they released their second studio album "Champion". On April 28th, 2009 they released their third studio album "Self-Titled Album". Their newest album, "Great Danger" produced by the Audition them selves is in stores now!

The Art of Living
The Audition Lyrics

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I never thought that you would go this far
And I know why you went home
We tried to fix the dreams
We burned to the ground
Why you left, I'll never know

You went and got yourself destroyed

You always told me what it feels like
To never have things right
What it feels like to always be alone

You said that I'm not like the rest
I said I'm in over in my head
If you don't let you in
You'll always be alone

I felt so sorry for the mess we caused
Those little lies that'd grown inside
And every time that I believed every lie
I lost a friend, a piece of mind

You went and got yourself destroyed

You always told me what it feels like
To never have things right
What it feels like to always be alone

You said that I'm not like the rest
I said I'm in over in my head
If you don't let you in
You'll always be alone

All I did was call you up
And help you get through this
You shut me down, you drown me out
There's no way I can do this

I feel like running
Why did it have to come to this?
I bet you thought it would never be easy
But I cut you off
All you have left is what you took from me
What you took from me

You went and got yourself destroyed over me
You went and got yourself destroyed

You always told me what it feels like
To never have things right
What it feels like to always be alone

You said that I'm not like the rest
I said I'm in over in my head

If you don't let you in
You'll always be alone always be alone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Audition's song "The Art of Living" delve into the complexities of relationships and the impact of destructive behavior on oneself and others. The singer expresses surprise and confusion at how far the other person has gone and reflects on the reasons for their departure. The imagery of trying to fix dreams that have been destroyed suggests a futile attempt to salvage something that is irreparably damaged. The sense of loss and unanswered questions about the reasons for the departure create a feeling of bewilderment and helplessness.

The repetition of the phrase "You always told me what it feels like to never have things right, what it feels like to always be alone" highlights the lingering impact of the other person's emotional struggles on the singer. The sentiment of not being like the rest and feeling overwhelmed underscores the disconnect between the two individuals and the difficulty of truly understanding and connecting with one another. The warning that without letting oneself in, one will always be alone speaks to the importance of vulnerability and openness in relationships.

The lyrics explore the aftermath of the destructive behavior on both parties, acknowledging the mess that was created and the loss of trust and friendship that resulted. The idea of believing lies and losing a piece of oneself in the process reflects the profound emotional toll of deceit and betrayal. The repetition of the refrain "You went and got yourself destroyed" emphasizes the self-destructive nature of the other person's actions and the consequences they must now face.

In the final verse, the singer expresses a sense of betrayal and abandonment, as they try to reach out and help the other person only to be shut down and pushed away. The desperation and confusion in the lines "I feel like running, why did it have to come to this?" capture the overwhelming feeling of helplessness and the realization that the situation has spiraled out of control. The closing lines suggest a final break, with the singer cutting off ties and emphasizing that the other person is left with only what they took from the relationship. Overall, the lyrics of "The Art of Living" paint a poignant picture of the pain and repercussions of destructive behavior in relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

I never thought that you would go this far
I never expected you to take such drastic actions

And I know why you went home
I understand the reason behind your decision to leave

We tried to fix the dreams
We attempted to salvage our aspirations

We burned to the ground
But they were ultimately destroyed

Why you left, I'll never know
I still can't comprehend your departure

You went and got yourself destroyed
You inadvertently caused your own downfall

You always told me what it feels like
You consistently described the sensation

To never have things right
Of never truly finding satisfaction

What it feels like to always be alone
To constantly experience isolation

You said that I'm not like the rest
You believed I was different from others

I said I'm in over in my head
I confessed to being overwhelmed