So Nathan was in a band called BoySetsFire. They did ok, then they broke up. So the Casting Out started, first with some terrible name that (THANK GOD!) was already taken, played some shows, lost some members, got some members, changed their sound, (yeah I know…it “evolved”) It got louder. More raucous. More fun. More of that good stuff that keeps you coming back. Catchier than a plateful of syphalitic lepers. EW. They started touring in a crappy van that broke down. Of course they did. Who didn’t? Played to smatterings of people who began disinterested, but were slowly (so slowly!) run over by their dynamic stage show. But they are doing it the way you are supposed to. They are sleeping on floors. They are eating pasta. Playing freaking VFWs, Which is fine for all the retards out there with their first band who are just excited to get out of Arkansas, But Nathan is no spring chicken. He ain’t even a Winter Goose. He has been touring since he was 20 which was nearly two decades ago. When he started touring, gas was ninety cents a gallon. When he started touring, no-one had cell phones. We used this cracked out gadget called the “Straight Edge Dialer” which somehow imitated the sonic patterns of quarters dropping into the slot. We would gather around a pay-phone and use it to call home and try to get shows. When he started touring, there was no major-label debate because major-labels simply did not sign punk or hardcore bands. When he started touring the internet was a mere gleam in Al Gore’s nutsack. When he started touring, people bought cds. Yeah, I know... That long ago.
So the question was posed as it has been before and will certainly be again.
Why?
Why start over? Why not look back at the admittedly somewhat impressive body of work. (4 full lengths, countless tours, blah blah…) and just say fuck it and get a jobby job?
“Because it is the only thing I am good at”.
To be honest, that isn’t quite true. Nathan can also paint like a mother fucker. He is wonderful at touch up, and even with ideas about certain color schemes, But who the hell wants to paint for the rest of his life? Not me, And I guess not him. I have another idea about why Nathan is still doing it.
Because it is fun.
Because the Casting Out is fun. Lots of fun. Nathan, the grizzled lead singer, seems to have discovered a new tool in his writing tool-bag (?) –a sense of humor. The songs are performed with a knowing wink and jaunty tip of the hat. No cute (is what we aim for) word play. No long ass song titles. Just lyrics written from a good perspective and good punk-influenced pop music. Melodies that will make your heart sing. Starting a new band at 35……… Crazy bitch.
-joshua latshaw-
Wait
The Casting Out Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the simple perks that make the outside world stay low
sure I’m a coward but no one has to know
step one step two step three repeat and I’m solid
it’s not the fraud yeah it’s the view
today let the anthem ring
and it’s alright right right wait
this breeding ground needs a facelift
but what’s the cost hey it’s been over due
and I’m too bored right now to follow through
step one step two step three I think I’m repeating
it’s not the fraud yeah it’s the view
yeah these times are tough
but I’ve been patient enough
when every push comes to crush
I feel I’ve been patient enough
so don’t tell me it’s not ok please tell me it’s not ok
In this song, The Casting Out is discussing how they have found comfort and safety in the distractions of their life. They acknowledge that they may be a coward for avoiding the difficulties and challenges of the outside world, but they are content with their current situation. The repetition of "step one step two step three" suggests they have a routine or system that they follow to maintain this safety. They also mention that it's not necessarily a lie or a fraud that they are living this way, but perhaps just their perspective or point of view.
The chorus seems to suggest a call to action - to wait for something important, to let the anthem ring. It's unclear what this anthem could be, but it may be a symbol of hope or a rallying cry for change. The repetition of "alright right right" emphasizes that the wait may be difficult, but it will be worth it in the end.
In the second verse, The Casting Out acknowledges that their environment may need improvement, but they are not willing or motivated enough to take action. The line "it’s been over due" implies that the problems have been building up for a while, and perhaps there is a sense of guilt or responsibility for not doing anything. Once again, they repeat the steps they take to maintain their safety and comfort, emphasizing the importance of routine and structure in their life.
Overall, the song portrays a sense of apathy and reluctance to face challenges, but also a sense of understanding and acceptance of their current situation. The repeated phrases and structure of the song create a sense of familiarity and routine, reinforcing the theme of finding comfort in familiarity.
Line by Line Meaning
I got ten times the distraction
I am experiencing a great amount of distraction and lack of focus
the simple perks that make the outside world stay low
I am surrounded by things that are easily accessible and make the outside world seem insignificant
sure I’m a coward but no one has to know
I feel afraid and vulnerable, but I am hiding my true emotions from others
step one step two step three repeat and I’m solid
I am following a routine to stay grounded and focused
it’s not the fraud yeah it’s the view
I am not deceiving anyone, I just have a different perspective
today let the anthem ring
Let us celebrate and enjoy this moment
and it’s alright right right wait
Although there may be some uncertainty, everything will work out in due time
this breeding ground needs a facelift
The environment I am in needs a significant change
but what’s the cost hey it’s been over due
Although there may be a price to pay, it is necessary to make changes as they have been long overdue
and I’m too bored right now to follow through
I lack the motivation to take action at this moment in time
step one step two step three I think I’m repeating
I am following the same routine over and over again, possibly indicating a lack of progress
yeah these times are tough
The current situation is challenging and difficult
but I’ve been patient enough
I have been waiting for an outcome and have reached a limit of tolerable waiting
when every push comes to crush
Whenever I try to make progress, I am faced with opposition
I feel I’ve been patient enough
Despite being patient, I am feeling frustrated and need to take action
so don’t tell me it’s not ok please tell me it’s not ok
I am seeking validation and reassurance that my emotions and actions are justified
Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.