That is the question the members of the Grand Rapids band, The Mines, have been asking themselves since they first started making music together in 2004. With the release of their third CD, Fear Is Easy, The Mines have proven the band and the music are enough to make time for, in the midst of busy individual lives.
For their third CD, Fear Is Easy (released June 3, 2011), The Mines tapped producer/engineer/musician Joel Ferguson (Papa Vegas, Verve Pipe), to add additional production experience and an outside voice to the project. The CD was recorded and mixed over the course of nearly 2 years at Ferguson's Planet Sunday Studios, before the band and producer were satisfied.
The CD was mastered at GBP Studios in Lansing with award winning engineer Glenn Brown.
The Mines are currently working with director Bryan Parris to produce a music video for the first single from Fear Is Easy, Runningman.
The band formed in 2004 as a four-piece, before the line-up settled as a trio – Todd Hoek (drums), Greg Lockwood (guitar, vocals) and Ethan Nickerson (bass, vocals) – to record their 2006 debut, Metropolis. Filled with novel-like confessions and character portraits, the self-produced album gave hints to fans of the diverse directions still to come. Adding guitarist/keyboardist Troy Hatfield in ’06 helped the band realize wider musical soundscapes in a live setting, paving the way for the subsequent 2008 release, People Music.
People Music's lead single, Valley, gained the GR quartet local attention, thanks in part to a professionally-made video to accompany the energetic and melodic show opener. (The video was produced by CineVera Pictures).
The Dawn
The Mines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it won't be long before you break
You carried on like an old country song
But it won't be long before you fade
But you're not all alone
But you're not all alone
But it's much too loud for you to face
Everyday you got another choice to make
But all you see now turns to grey
But you're not all alone
But you're not all alone
I can feel the same way
Burning sun, stay with me
Keep the lights on
Open your eyes, open them blinds
See the new dawn
What's the reason why
Can you tell me the reason why
What's the reason why
Can you tell me the reason why
The first two lines of the song indicate that the listener has recently left a dead-end job, signaling a desire for change and an attempt to escape a monotonous routine. However, the lyrics suggest that this newfound freedom may not be sustainable or fulfilling in the long run. The line "it won't be long before you break" implies that the challenges and struggles of life will eventually catch up with the listener.
The following couplet compares the listener's experience to an old country song, which typically tells tales of heartache and loss. This line conveys a sense of melancholy and suggests that the listener's journey may be filled with hardships and emotional pain. The subsequent line "but it won't be long before you fade" further emphasizes the idea that the listener's hope and enthusiasm may wane over time.
The repeating phrase "but you're not all alone" serves as a reminder to the listener that they are not the only person facing these challenges. It suggests that there are others who share similar experiences and emotions. This line is meant to provide a sense of solace and solidarity, reminding the listener that they are not alone in their struggles.
The next verse describes the listener's attempt to venture into new territories or opportunities. However, the line "it's much too loud for you to face" suggests that the environment or circumstances may be overwhelming. This could indicate that the listener is struggling to adapt to the new challenges they encounter.
The subsequent line implies that the listener is faced with daily choices, which could signify the need to make important decisions or navigate through a series of challenges. However, the phrase "all you see now turns to grey" suggests a sense of disillusionment or disappointment, possibly indicating that the listener's efforts may not be yielding the desired results.
The repeated phrase "but you're not all alone" is restated to reinforce the idea that the listener is not the only one experiencing these difficulties. The line "I can feel the same way" allows for a more personal connection between the creator of the song and the listener, expressing empathy and understanding.
The chorus shifts to a different perspective, addressing a "burning sun" and asking it to "stay with me." This could symbolize a desire for hope, positivity, and guidance in the face of adversity. The line "keep the lights on" suggests a plea for illumination and clarity in a dark or uncertain situation. The following two lines call for the listener to "open their eyes" and see the new dawn, urging them to embrace change and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
The concluding lines of the song pose a question: "What's the reason why? Can you tell me the reason why?" This reflects the listener's desire for understanding and clarity about the purpose or meaning behind their struggles and challenges. These lines symbolize an existential inquiry while also emphasizing the overarching theme of seeking answers and meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
You got off from your dead-end job
You managed to escape from an unfulfilling and stagnant job
But it won't be long before you break
However, it won't be long before the pressures and challenges become overwhelming
You carried on like an old country song
You persisted through life's ups and downs, resembling the resilience of an old country song
But it won't be long before you fade
Nevertheless, your strength and vitality will gradually diminish over time
But you're not all alone
Despite the hardships, you have people who support and stand beside you
You went out to try to stomp new ground
You ventured out to explore new opportunities and conquer uncharted territories
But it's much too loud for you to face
However, the noise and chaos of the world become overwhelming, making it difficult for you to confront them
Everyday you got another choice to make
Each day presents you with new decisions to consider and paths to choose
But all you see now turns to grey
Unfortunately, the vibrancy of life has dulled, and everything you perceive is devoid of color and excitement
I can feel the same way
I can empathize and relate to the emotions and experiences you're going through
Burning sun, stay with me
Metaphorically, the intense and passionate energy within you, represented by the burning sun, remains present by your side
Keep the lights on
Ensure that hope and optimism continue to illuminate your path
Open your eyes, open them blinds
Awaken your senses and remove the barriers that obstruct your vision
See the new dawn
Witness and embrace the beginning of a fresh start and a brighter future
What's the reason why
Seeking to understand the purpose and motivation behind your actions and circumstances
Can you tell me the reason why
Can you provide clarity and explanation for the motives and causes of your current situation
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Dylan Mines
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind