Value Pac's self-titled debut (also referred to as Down & Out) was released on Tooth and Nail, and was soon followed by Jalapeno on BEC Recordings.
After their first album, Isaiah was replaced by Shawn Humeston. In 1998 Ben Cater left for college and was briefly replaced by Ethan Luck. Shortly after Ryan Sheely's mother died, Value Pac was cut from BEC Recordings due to their failure to tour and meet contractual obligations. Value Pac then signed with Four Door Entertainment. Ryan was joined by Jason Feltman (Fanmail, Rainy Days) on drums and Sean Paul on bass. The band recorded Incognito, which was produced by Social Distortion guitarist Dennis Danell. Value Pac then disbanded. Ryan and Jason still play together in Radio Saints
Graduation Day
Value Pac Lyrics
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I look back at what I've known for so long
Today is the day we leave our past behind
Today we say our last goodbyes
Memories in the back of my mind
Held close by until the day that I die
Good luck my friends make it to the end
I wish you all the best until we meet again
Just kids and now it's time to grow up
That thought makes me feel sick now I want to cry
Separated for the rest of our lives
I don't know why it turned out this way
We always thought things would work out OK
Now I see everybody telling me what I must be
When all I want to do is go back in time with you
Today is the saddest day of our young lives
Today we go our separate ways
The sky's the limit for each one of us
Make good with everything you've got
The lyrics of Value Pac's "Graduation Day" are a reflection on the bittersweet nature of growing up and moving on from a familiar time in life. The song starts with the declaration that "today is the greatest day of our young lives," but quickly takes a turn towards melancholy as the singer remembers the memories that he is leaving behind. The sentiment that today is the day to "leave our past behind" is underscored by the sense of finality in saying "our last goodbyes." The singer sees these memories as something that he will carry with him until the end of his life, and he wishes his friends well in their future endeavors.
As the song continues, it becomes clear that the singer is struggling with the idea of growing up and moving on. The thought of leaving childhood behind makes him feel sick, and he longs for the simplicity of the past: "all I want to do is go back in time with you." The singer seems to resent the fact that other people are telling him what he "must be," when he just wants to hold onto the familiar comfort of his childhood.
The song ends on a note of hope, however, as the singer encourages his friends to make the most of their futures. He emphasizes that "the sky's the limit for each one of us" and urges his friends to "make good with everything you've got." Ultimately, while the song acknowledges the sadness of growing up and moving on, it also celebrates the possibilities of the future and the potential that lies ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Today is the greatest day of our young lives
Today is a very special day for us, something that we will cherish forever.
I look back at what I've known for so long
All the memories I have of my past, I reminisce about now.
Today is the day we leave our past behind
Today marks a new beginning, a fresh start where we forget our past mistakes and learn from them.
Today we say our last goodbyes
Today we part ways -- it's time to say goodbye to our friends, teachers, and our school.
Memories in the back of my mind
Past experiences and life events that I will always remember and never forget.
Held close by until the day that I die
No matter where I go or what I do, I will always cherish these memories deep in my heart.
Good luck my friend make it to the end
I wish you all the best in life, and I hope you achieve everything you want to accomplish.
I wish you all the best until we meet again
We will surely meet again someday, and I hope to see progress in your life that you are proud of.
I can't believe it seems like yesterday
Time has flown by so quickly, and I can't believe that only yesterday we were young kids.
Just kids and now it's time to grow up
We were just naive children, but it's time to mature and become adults, taking on more responsibilities.
That thought makes me feel sick now I want to cry
The thought of growing up and moving on is daunting and scary, and it makes me emotional.
Separated for the rest of our lives
We may not cross paths again in life because we will each take our own journey and live in different places.
I don't know why it turned out this way
Despite best efforts, the outcome may not have been what we expected or planned for.
We always thought things would work out OK
We had faith and believed that everything would be fine and work out for the best.
Now I see everybody telling me what I must be
People have different opinions on what I should be, but I want to choose my own path and be true to myself.
When all I want to do is go back in time with you
I wish I could turn back time and relive happy moments with the people I cherish most.
Today is the saddest day of our young lives
Today is bittersweet, while happy to celebrate an accomplishment, goodbyes are hard and filled with sadness.
Today we go our separate ways
It's the end of the journey together, and we depart to follow our individual paths now.
The sky's the limit for each one of us
We are capable of achieving anything we put our minds and heart into with dedication and hard work.
Make good with everything you've got
Put in the effort and hard work, utilize all resources and knowledge we have to make a positive and successful future.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: John Legend, Kanye West, Miri Ben Ari
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind