Colleen D'Agostino (vocals) moved to San Diego to pursue a music degree at San Diego State University. In her third year, she began playing with Jon Moreaux (guitar) and Noah Vowles (drums). The threesome added bassist Kevin Falk, formerly of Every Time I Die and Between the Buried and Me, and started writing songs for their first demo. Kevin was replaced by Brian Miller (bass), and Roi Elam (guitar) joined shortly after.
With the permanent line up, The Material went into the studio to record their 6-song debut EP "Tomorrow", which was co-produced by Brian Grider and was released on September 1, 2007. They placed in the top 3 of the Dew Circuit Breakout of 2007, losing to Seattle band, The Myriad.
The Material has been featured on MTV and MTV2 and their song "Moving to Seattle" is also available to download for the video game, Rock Band.
Most recently, the band released 3 brand-new songs ("Unforgivable," "Before This Ship Goes Down," and "Give It All Back"). Their 'To Weather The Storm' EP is available for download on iTunes and Amazon.
I'm Alive
The Material Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take that mask off, let me see your face
Now it's time to end this charade
It's not real
I can see right through your lifeless eyes
When every word was just another lie
So comfortable in your new disguise
It's not real
I'm alive
Look inside
There's a heart that is beating
Tell me what that means to you
I am real
I can feel
Every word that cuts through me
Must I bleed to prove to you
That I'm alive
Feels like I've been living with a ghost
You weren't there when you were needed most
And all your promises were hollow
Just like you
Feel my heart - I'm alive
Feel my heart
The Material's "I'm Alive" is a powerful and emotional song about the struggle between authenticity and deception. The song begins with the singer urging someone to take off their mask and reveal their true self, stating that it's time to end the charade. They see right through the other person's lies and new disguise, recognizing that it's not real. The singer then proclaims that they themselves are alive and real, despite feeling like they've been living with a ghost. They call out the other person for not being there when they were needed most and making hollow promises. The song ends with a plea to be recognized and understood, asking the listener to feel their heart and acknowledge that they are, indeed, alive.
The themes of the song are universal and relatable, as many people can identify with feeling like they're living inauthentically and struggling to be seen and heard. The lyrics cut straight to the heart and challenge listeners to examine their own lives and relationships. The Material's emotive vocals and instrumentation add to the intensity of the song, making it a standout track that leaves a lasting impression.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me what you really wanna say
I want you to communicate honestly and directly with me about what's on your mind.
Take that mask off, let me see your face
I want you to reveal your true self to me instead of hiding behind a persona.
Now it's time to end this charade
It's time to stop pretending and be genuine with each other.
It's not real
Your façade and lies are not authentic or true.
I can see right through your lifeless eyes
Your eyes give away the fact that you lack real passion and emotion.
When every word was just another lie
All the words you've spoken to me so far have been untruthful.
So comfortable in your new disguise
You seem at ease with your false identity.
I'm alive
I have a true and authentic existence.
Look inside
Take a moment to truly observe my inner self.
There's a heart that is beating
My heart is alive and passionate.
Tell me what that means to you
I want to know what kind of significance my existence holds for you.
I am real
I am not an illusion or fabrication.
I can feel
I am capable of truly experiencing emotions and pain.
Every word that cuts through me
Hurtful words and actions affect me deeply.
Must I bleed to prove to you
Why do I have to be physically hurt for you to understand my reality?
Feels like I've been living with a ghost
It's as if I've been living with someone who doesn't really exist.
You weren't there when you were needed most
You were not present when I needed your support the most.
And all your promises were hollow
Your words of commitment and support meant nothing, as they were empty of any genuine intent.
Just like you
You, as a person, are just as fake and insincere as your promises were.
Feel my heart - I'm alive
My heart is real and beating, proving the authenticity of my existence.
Contributed by Colton G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.