Their sophomore album, Leave It All Behind (2008) found The Foreign Exchange much closer in geography (Nicolay becoming a resident of Wilmington, NC), but located much further from their hip-hop origins. On the strength of their exhilarating live show and several nationally programmed music videos, Leave It All Behind became the group's most successful album to date, culminating in a Grammy-nomination for the album's first single, Daykeeper.
Authenticity, released on October 12, 2010 on +FE Music, is The Foreign Exchange’s third album.
Shelter
The Foreign Exchange Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But It looks like all the contemplation,
It goes on and on, it goes on and on again
Much more
Now the pressures starting to get to ya
All you want to do now is surrender
It goes on and on, it goes on and on again
But it just aint adding it up
I will keep you safe inside
Shelter from the rising tide
Wow yeah
Now you're free to give yourself permission,
All your fears have gone into the mission
We go on and on, we go on and on again
Yea
So much
What′s already lost you left behind ya
So when you were down let me remind ya
We go on and on we go on and on again (yea yea)
When you think you've had enough, but it just aint adding it up
I will keep you safe inside, shelter from the rising tide wow yea
The Foreign Exchange's song Shelter is about being there for someone who is struggling with the pressures of life. The lyrics suggest that the person is feeling overwhelmed and is considering giving up. The singer, in this case, is someone who wants to support and protect them. The song opens with the person expressing a desire to be more than just a number, implying that they feel insignificant and lost in the crowd of life. However, they are struggling to find meaning amidst what appears to be endless contemplation. It becomes clear that they are feeling a lot of pressure and are close to surrendering to it.
The chorus acknowledges the person's struggle and emphasizes the singer's commitment to keeping them safe. The repeated phrase "it just ain't adding it up" suggests that the person is struggling to make sense of things, and the rising tide imagery signifies that the challenges they are facing are getting more and more difficult. The second verse acknowledges that the person has made progress by giving "permission" to themselves and leaving some of their fears behind. However, the singer reminds them that there is still a way to go and encourages them to keep pushing forward.
Overall, the song is an uplifting and encouraging message about being there for someone who is struggling. The singer acknowledges the person's pain but also reminds them that there is hope and support available.
Line by Line Meaning
You want to be more than just another number,
You crave individuality and recognition, not to be treated as a statistic.
But it looks like all the contemplation,
Despite your desire for distinction, your thoughts have become repetitive and circular.
It goes on and on, it goes on and on again
The cycle of these thoughts and contemplation repeats endlessly.
Much more
Desiring greater depth and fulfillment.
Now the pressures starting to get to ya
The weight of expectations and demands is becoming overwhelming.
All you want to do now is surrender
You just want to give up and relinquish control.
When you think you've had enough
At the point where you cannot tolerate any more stress.
But it just aint adding it up
Despite your hard work and efforts, the rewards are not sufficient.
I will keep you safe inside
Someone will provide comfort and protection for you.
Shelter from the rising tide
Offering refuge from the turbulent and unpredictable challenges.
Now you're free to give yourself permission,
You have the liberty to grant yourself approval and acceptance.
All your fears have gone into the mission
Your fears have been transformed into the purpose and the drive.
We go on and on, we go on and on again
The journey and the struggle continue unceasingly.
What's already lost you left behind ya
You have come to terms with the losses and moved on.
So when you were down let me remind ya
In times of despair, someone will encourage and support you.
Yea yea
Expressing affirmation and agreement.
Writer(s): C. Rodgers, M. Rook, P. Coleman
Contributed by Jacob G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.