Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his interest in music formed when he began playing drums at the age of 10. He says that he came home one day and his mom told him that she had signed him up for drum lessons. He states that those lessons are the main reasons he is where he is in music today. By the age of 14 he was playing in bands, playing drums while getting more familiar with other instruments, and by the age of 16 he was touring in them. He later found a different outlet for his creativity through writing lyrics and music in an acoustic duo, which eventually led to the formation of The Ready Set. He was a member of a ska band, "Take Sides", an acoustic band, "brideandgroom" and a hardcore band, "Saints Never Surrender" before creating The Ready Set in the fall of 2007.
During the summer of ‘07, Jordan wrote a few songs and kept them to himself, as his main focus was the acoustic duo he was a part of. When the other member left to pursue a different career, Jordan decided to take the songs he had started, finish them up, and put together a Myspace page just for fun. In January of 2008, he released his first EP “Syntax and Bright Lights”, which was completely written and recorded in his basement. He soon after began writing for his second release, a full-length titled “Tantrum Castle”, also recorded in his basement.
Shortly after his high school graduation, he began touring in other bands, which made it clear to him where his heart was: The Ready Set. In July of 2008 he released “Tantrum Castle” and began touring full-time as The Ready Set. His live performances have evolved greatly since his early days, changing from a two-man show with keys, vocals, and a computer, to a complete full-band show with bass, drums, and lights. Witzigreuter says that his first performance for The Ready Set was at a coffee shop (The Mocha Lounge) where he worked in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Since then, The Ready Set has toured with numerous bands, including a supporting slot on a full US tour with Boys Like Girls, both The Bamboozle and Bamboozle Left, the Bamboozle Roadshow, the MTV VMA Tour, as well as many smaller tours.
The Ready Set has also made performances on MTV on multiple occasions, including an appearance on MTV's TJ Search Live Finale and being the "One to Watch" on MTV's 10 on Top. Witzigreuter has also been featured twice on MTV's Buzzworthy: once on December 11, 2009 as an up and coming artist, and again the following year on September 7, 2010, complete with an interview video and a live performance video.
Throughout multiple self-booked tours, The Ready Set has continued to prove itself as a show worth seeing as well as hearing with it’s abundant energy and emphasis on showmanship. In November 2009, Witzigreuter signed with Decaydance Records and Sire Records, both subsidiary labels of Warner Bros. Records. He released his first full–length studio album, I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming, on June 15, 2010.
The lead single, "Love Like Woe" has reached #27 on the Billboard Hot 100, #15 on the Billboard pop chart, and #15 on the Mediabase Top 40 Radio chart.
Upsets and Downfalls
The Ready Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am I the person I'm supposed to be
'Cause I'm a lover in a fighter's club
If my words fail to hold true
Then I think you should know
(Should know, should know)
I couldn't tell you to leave if I had to
So please come over and I'll make right
All the sad nights and hard lines
And I will look you in the eye
'Cause it's not over yet
(Here we go)
Give me your heart
Because I need it like I used to
You are a star shining down on me
I had a chance
And the chance is that
Baby this is all I need
See I've been running races on my own time
Shutting out the people
Who have stuck with me my whole life
So if there's something I could say
To re-stitch the ties that I let fray
Then I would surely patch that tear
'Cause loose ends can go nowhere
Give me your heart
Because I need it like I used to
You are a star shining down on me
I had a chance
And the chance is that
Baby this is all I need
Give me your heart
Because I need it like I used to
You are a star shining down on me
I had a chance
And the chance is that
Baby this is all I need
Go ahead
My mouth won't say
I love that you love me
I swear that's the case
If you're left with only tears
I'm stuck with these nightmares
These ghosts and these fears
I won't let you down
I'm gonna run through the night
'Til my soul's taking flight
Live in the stars
I'm watching the skies open up
With my arms waving out
Oh I've missed you badly
Give me your heart
Because I need it like I used to
You are a star shining down on me
I had a chance
And the chance is that
Baby this is all I need
(This is all I need)
Give me your heart
Because I need it like I used to
You are a star shining down on me
I had a chance
And the chance is that
Baby this is all I need
This is all I need
The lyrics to The Ready Set's song Upsets and Downfalls tell a story of self-reflection and seeking forgiveness. The first verse lines express introspection and insecurity, as the singer questions whether they are truly the person they are expected to be. They then describe themselves as a "lover in a fighter's club," suggesting that they might struggle to balance their emotions with their circumstances. The singer admits that their words might not always be true, but they want to make things right with their loved one.
The chorus of the song is an emotional plea for forgiveness and reconciliation. The singer admits that they cannot force their loved one to believe that they truly want them, but they still want to make amends. They promise to look their partner in the eye and try to fix the issues that have caused them sadness and pain. The repeated lines asking for their partner's heart suggest that the singer wants a second chance to prove their love and commitment.
The second verse reveals that the singer has been isolating themselves and pushing away the people who have been there for them in the past. They acknowledge that they have caused harm and want to make amends. The bridge expresses an unconditional love, swearing to never let their partner down and to run through the night to be with them. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the singer's desire for a second chance at the love they feel they need.
Line by Line Meaning
It's hard to write out an apology
Admitting fault and asking for forgiveness is a difficult task.
Am I the person I'm supposed to be
Questioning one's own identity and purpose in relation to others' expectations.
'Cause I'm a lover in a fighter's club
Feeling conflicted between being peaceful and aggressive in a challenging environment.
If my words fail to hold true
Awareness that words alone are not enough if they are not backed with actions.
Then I think you should know (Should know, should know)
Indicating the importance of communicating one's intentions and feelings in order to prevent misunderstandings.
I couldn't tell you to leave if I had to
Being unable to let go of someone despite internal struggles and a desire for freedom.
But I can't make you believe that I want you
Feeling powerless to convince someone of one's true feelings and intentions.
So please come over and I'll make right
Offering to make amends and fix past mistakes in an attempt to reconcile.
All the sad nights and hard lines
Acknowledging the difficulties and struggles that have occurred between them.
And I will look you in the eye
Demonstrating sincerity and honesty in one's actions and words.
'Cause it's not over yet
Believing that there is still hope for repairing their relationship.
Give me your heart
Asking for someone's love and trust.
Because I need it like I used to
Expressing a longing and nostalgia for a past relationship that was affectionate and strong.
You are a star shining down on me
Viewing the other person as a positive and guiding force in one's life.
I had a chance
Reflecting on past opportunities that may have been missed or taken for granted.
And the chance is that
Recognizing that there is still hope and potential for a future together.
Baby this is all I need
Affirming that despite challenges and uncertainties, the other person is the most important thing in their life.
See I've been running races on my own time
Acknowledging that personal priorities and goals may have caused neglect or distance in the relationship.
Shutting out the people
Isolating oneself from others, leading to feelings of loneliness and detachment.
Who have stuck with me my whole life
Not recognizing or appreciating the support and loyalty of those who have been there for them.
So if there's something I could say
Expressing a desire to communicate and repair any damage that has been done.
To re-stitch the ties that I let fray
Regretting previous actions that have caused harm and wishing to make amends to strengthen their bond.
Then I would surely patch that tear
Demonstrating determination and commitment to repairing their relationship.
'Cause loose ends can go nowhere
Emphasizing the importance of resolving unsettled matters in order to move forward in a positive direction.
Go ahead
Encouraging the other person to speak their truth and express their emotions.
My mouth won't say
Admitting a difficulty in verbalizing affection or vulnerability.
I love that you love me
Acknowledging and appreciating the love and affection that the other person has shown.
I swear that's the case
Affirming the truthfulness and sincerity of one's feelings.
If you're left with only tears
Expressing empathy and regret for causing emotional pain or distress.
I'm stuck with these nightmares
Experiencing anxiety, fear, or regret as a result of past actions or mistakes.
These ghosts and these fears
Alluding to past traumas, emotions, or experiences that continue to haunt and affect one's present life.
I won't let you down
Making a promise to be reliable and trustworthy in the future.
I'm gonna run through the night
Demonstrating perseverance and determination in order to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge.
'Til my soul's taking flight
Achieving a sense of freedom, enlightenment, or purpose through personal growth or change.
Live in the stars
Aspiring to achieve greatness or success in one's life.
I'm watching the skies open up
Anticipating opportunities or positive changes in one's life.
With my arms waving out
Expressing a sense of elation, joy, or excitement.
Oh I've missed you badly
Expressing longing, nostalgia, and a desire to reconnect with the other person.
(This is all I need)
Affirming that the love and affection of the other person is the most important thing in their life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JORDAN WITZIGREUTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind