Front man John Dauer is known for his soulful voice and crystal tone. Dauer's ability to exude emotive intensity through high octave, broad ranging power and haunting lyrical compositions are truly the gifts of only a few.
Guitarist Jim Bilus is The Ruse's primary songwriter and composer. Bilus is a gifted writer blessed with a natural musical ability. Jim layers the Ruse's music with powerful melodic riffs featuring subtle but prominent effect driven tones.
Bassist Mark Stolze plays an integral part of the band laying down the low-end that glues the songs together. Mark is affectionately known as "the general" for his devotion to keeping the band on a rigorous schedule.
Jason Young kicks the groove behind the drums, bringing his love for a wide variety of musical styles to the Ruse's musical arsenal. Jason also doubles as the band's in-house producer and engineer. With his laid back and playful personality, Jason has become the solid backbone of the Ruse.
Perfect World
The Ruse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the place where ti always ends
You say, what happens now?
In my mind you take it all
Push you up against the wall
You scream, it gets you off
You can feel me
It’s alright
Just this time
I’ll make you think you’re mine
Hold me I cannot stand
To watch from the dark again
Hold me up and I’ll hold you up
Is there a perfect world?
This just seems so much worse
Hold me up and I’ll hold you up
Pour it out and I drink it down
Hear your voice and turn around
You say, what happens now
In my mind we’re glued together
Tied in binds with rusted teathers
I scream, get me out
No you can’t know me
You can’t read my mind
It’s alright
Again this time
I’ll never make you mine
Hold me I cannot stand
To watch from the dark again
Hold me up and I’ll hold you up
Is there a perfect world?
This just seems so much worse
Hold me up and I’ll hold you up
Don’t hold me too tight
Don’t turn on the light
This night is not over
Don’t tell me your soft
I can’t turn this off
This night is not over
Just let it happen
Hold me I cannot stand
To watch from the dark again
Hold me up and I’ll hold you up
Is there a perfect world?
This just seems so much worse
Hold me up and I’ll hold you up
The Ruse's song Perfect World seems to dive into the complexities of a dysfunctional relationship. The song starts off with the couple making up and finding themselves in the familiar place where it always ends. The male protagonist seems to be in control and convinces the female protagonist that he can read her mind and that he will make her think she's his. However, the female protagonist seems to be reluctant and questions whether they're meant to be together. They both seem to be in a dark place, and the female protagonist is holding on to the male protagonist for support.
The chorus seems to imply that there is no perfect world and that their current situation is far from ideal. They seem to be stuck in a toxic cycle of coming together and separating, with no resolution in sight. Towards the end of the song, the male protagonist seems to be urging the female protagonist to let herself go and "just let it happen." The song ends with a sense of uncertainty, leaving the listener to wonder about the future of their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Made it in and we’re here agin
We have arrived once again after making it through whatever difficulties we needed to face to get here
In the place where ti always ends
We are in a familiar location where things seem to come to a close
You say, what happens now?
You express a curiosity about what will occur next
In my mind you take it all
In my thoughts, you consume my attention and energy
Push you up against the wall
I pin you against a barrier with force
You scream, it gets you off
You are vocalizing pleasure or excitement from the situation
You can feel me
You can sense my presence or energy
You can read my mind
You have the ability to understand my thoughts or emotions
It’s alright
There is nothing to worry about or be upset by
Just this time
Only for now, just in this moment
I’ll make you think you’re mine
I will create the illusion that you belong to me
Hold me I cannot stand
I need you to embrace me because I cannot bear to be alone in the darkness
To watch from the dark again
I cannot bear to witness or experience the darkness alone once more
Is there a perfect world?
I wonder if there is a place or time where everything is ideal and free from hardship
This just seems so much worse
The current situation appears particularly difficult or unbearable
Pour it out and I drink it down
I consume whatever is being offered or presented to me
Hear your voice and turn around
I immediately pay attention or react to your voice
In my mind we’re glued together
In my thoughts, we are inseparably bound or attached
Tied in binds with rusted teathers
Our connection is strong but corroded and potentially dangerous or harmful
I scream, get me out
I express a desire or plea to escape the situation or connection
No you can’t know me
You cannot truly understand or comprehend who I am
It’s alright
There is nothing to worry about or be upset by
Again this time
Once more, in this moment
I’ll never make you mine
I will not try to claim or possess you as mine
Don’t hold me too tight
Do not grip me with excessive force or pressure
Don’t turn on the light
Do not illuminate the space or reveal too much
This night is not over
The experience or connection is not yet complete or finished
Don’t tell me your soft
Do not reveal your vulnerability or tenderness
I can’t turn this off
I cannot stop the feelings or thoughts I am experiencing
Just let it happen
Allow whatever is happening or unfolding to continue without interruption or resistance
Contributed by Luke G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.