Zeeshan Zaidi – Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Uri Djem… Read Full Bio ↴The Commuters are:
Zeeshan Zaidi – Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Uri Djemal – Guitar
Ben Zwerin – Bass
Paul Amorese – Drums
The Commuters might hail from New York, but their kinetic, personally revealing anthems capture an alt-rock essence that aspires toward worldwide appeal. Right from the outset of their debut LP, Rescue (mastered by White Stripes/Ryan Adams collaborator Fred Kevorkian), its signature attributes are front and center. Album opener and lead single, “As I Make My Way,” has it all: an unforgettable hook, huge guitars that ring and echo and a grounded rhythm section that anchors the track’s precise tension. Elsewhere on Rescue, you can hear the New York foursome’s density of influence on tracks like “Hope to Be,” which teems with traces of Peter Gabriel’s work with Daniel Lanois, while the delicate bite of Automatic/Monster-era R.E.M. is evident in the title track’s feedback thrust and circa-Bends Radiohead gets channeled via the poised, melodic moodiness of album standout “Fallen from Grace.” And what ties all this together are the Commuters’ poignant lyrics, which eschew cryptic sermonizing, focusing instead on transparently human experiences and emotions.
Such richness and diversity on an inaugural release is no happenstance. As their name suggests, the Commuters have traveled through a lifetime of musical influences, but it’s their own personal global journeys that have guided the foursome to something universal but prevailingly intimate. Before forming the Commuters in 2010, Canadian-born, Philippines-raised frontman Zeeshan Zaidi (whose parents were born in Pakistan and India) spent many years in the music industry. His early accomplishments included producing Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Leslie’s first demo, and he subsequently worked in the marketing departments of major labels in New York helping to develop the careers of other versatile artists, including OutKast and Cee Lo Green. During this time, Zaidi was also honing his craft as a singer, songwriter and musician, performing around New York’s open mic circuit. When the time arrived to put his own abilities as a performer front and center, he immediately shared a dozen demos of his songs with childhood friend, New York-based producer and soon-to-be Commuters guitarist Uri Djemal, who was also raised in the Philippines (by parents of Israeli and American descent). The two got to work co-producing the album at Djemal’s Madpan Studios in Manhattan, where he had produced many well-known artists in New York’s indie-rock scene. Says Zaidi: “Uri’s studio was a few blocks from my apartment and he was telling me for years to come work on my songs there. One day — when I knew it was time — I just walked over and we started.”
Soon, they were joined by Djemal’s previous collaborator, French-raised Ben Zwerin on bass and Italian-American upstate New York native Paul Amorese behind the drums, solidifying the current lineup. Zwerin, the son of an American rock critic and Jazz trombonist based in Paris, had previously played and toured extensively with many renowned world and jazz musicians. Amorese had been playing professionally since the age of 14, performing in numerous bands throughout New York City and state. The material that would become Rescue had firmly connected with its improbable shepherds.
Having established themselves at noted hometown venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn, including Arlene’s Grocery, Fontana’s and Spike Hill, and received blog acclaim in the U.S. and abroad, the Commuters are eager to build their US presence and also extend their experiences outward to an international audience. As Zaidi explains, the already-dynamic tracks on Rescue “sound energetic and alive” on stage. “We love creating songs in the studio but performing them for live audiences is even more exciting,” he continues. “A lot of our online fans in different countries ask when we’re going to play in their hometowns – and we want to make it to all those places.”
And while every band aims to last, the Commuters’ unique combination of its members’ personal histories and creative backgrounds leading up to this moment foreshadows a longer and brighter future than most. “Our hope and our goal is to be around for as long as possible,” says Zaidi. We want to build this over time — the first album is just the start.”
Great Escape
The Commuters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't let the picture slip away
Let's build a castle, leave this behind
Let's protect ourselves from time
Spirits whispering their thoughts
Sheltered from the chill beyond
It feels like winter's on its way
Can we make our great escape?
Let the hours pass us by
We'll get away
Cause you're the thing that makes me high
...so high
Drops are falling, crashing loud
We're spinning stories out of clouds
I see my shadow disappear
Every time you pull me near
It seems like autumn's giving way
Can we make our great escape?
Let the hours pass us by
We'll get away
Cause I just want to feel alive
Our great escape
And you're the thing that makes me high --
...so high
(solo)
Escape --
Let the hours pass us by
We'll get away
Cause I just want to feel alive
Our great escape
And you’re the thing that makes me high --
...so high.
The lyrics to The Commuters' song "Great Escape" seem to tell the story of a moment of connection and escape with a loved one. The opening lines describe the intensity of the connection between two people, with one person being "arrested" by the other's gaze, not wanting to let the moment slip away. Building a "castle" together and protecting themselves from time suggest a desire to create a bubble of intimacy and safety away from the rest of the world. The use of the word "spirits" suggests a supernatural element, perhaps implying that this connection is almost magical in nature.
As the song progresses, the imagery shifts to evoke the changing seasons, with the drops of rain suggesting autumn turning to winter. Despite this, the singer speaks of wanting to "escape" with their loved one and feel alive. The repeated line "you're the thing that makes me high...so high" reinforces the idea that this relationship is an escape, a source of joy and excitement that is almost like a drug.
Overall, "Great Escape" seems to be about the intensity of a moment of connection between two people and the desire to escape the world around them together. The lyrics are rich in sensory imagery and symbolism, inviting listeners to imagine themselves in this moment of connection and escape.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm arrested by your gaze
I am captivated by the captivating look in your eyes.
Can't let the picture slip away
I cannot afford to lose this image of you in my head.
Let's build a castle, leave this behind
Let's create a world of our own and run away from our present reality.
Let's protect ourselves from time
Let's secure ourselves from the ravages of time and preserve this moment forever.
Spirits whispering their thoughts
Unseen forces are communicating their message to us.
Sheltered from the chill beyond
We are protected from the harsh reality of the world outside.
It feels like winter's on its way
It seems like difficult times are impending.
Can we make our great escape?
Can we find solace from our troubles by running away?
Let the hours pass us by
Let us not worry about the passage of time and enjoy the moment.
Cause you're the thing that makes me high
You are the reason I feel ecstatic and euphoric.
Drops are falling, crashing loud
The rain is falling heavily and its sound is deafening.
We're spinning stories out of clouds
We are creating our own version of happiness amidst uncertainty.
I see my shadow disappear
My insecurities vanish into oblivion when I am with you.
Every time you pull me near
Your touch brings me closer to you and makes me feel safe.
It seems like autumn's giving way
It seems like things are changing as fall is transitioning into winter.
Let the hours pass us by
Let us live in the present and not worry about the future.
Cause I just want to feel alive
I want to feel truly happy and alive with you by my side.
Our great escape
Our quest to find peace and happiness amidst chaos.
And you're the thing that makes me high --
Your presence elevates my mood and fills me with joy.
...so high
I am overcome with a sense of ecstasy and elation when I am with you.
Contributed by Ava P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Zeeshan Zaidi
Thanks so much for the kind words Anna! Always great when fans connect with our songs. Please subscribe to our channel to stay updated. Also you can download our album for free on our website: thecommuters . com cheers, @ZeeshanZaidi
ANNANNA
Keep on writing amazing songs The Commuters, goodluck on your band!
Alley McBeal
Absolutely beautiful.. My goodness.. You guys need more recognition. ❤
MrToniForelli
What an amaizing song, if there was an old youtube rate system, i'd give it 5/5.
The Commuters
Thanks so much -- from your lips to God's ears. Please subscribe to our channel to stay updated. Also you can download our album for free on our website: thecommuters . com cheers, @ZeeshanZaidi
Lisa Perkins
what a beautiful song guys! I would sing this song! :)
The Commuters
Thanks so much! Really appreciate the support. cheers, Zeeshan
RedLightRefugee
this is like alterbridge with the creed singer, drumming by meg white from white stripes while the bass is being played like the guy from all american rejects. nice tune
ANNANNA
Very impressive lyrics! I wish I can do that too righr now, able to make 'The Great Escape' with the one I love, to a place called HappyLand... ;(
The Commuters
Thanks Toni! You can download our full album for free from our website: thecommuters. com Cheers, @ZeeshanZaidi