As a yet unsigned commercial talent, Van Risseghem has experienced unprecedented exposure in a number of high-profile entertainment venues. The eponymous song the "The Motions" was literally heard around the world as the Delta Airlines boarding theme song. This song was also heard by those attending AMC and Cinemark theaters in 2009, courtesy of the theater chain's Cinemasounds pre-show feature. Another track from the album, "Love, Again", was featured prominently on Comedy Central's cult hit Tosh.0 and the NBC prime-time show The Voice. Van's music found its way into the public consciousness, from the Sonic Drive-in to the Barnes and Noble.
Van's debut album caught a lot of attention both stateside and abroad, finding its largest European fan-base in Germany. In February of 2010 the album reached number one on Germany's Big.FM, reaching several million listeners. Johannes Strate of the popular German band Revolverheld chose Van Risseghem as a featured artist on the "Feels Like Home" European tour. The proceeds for his appearance on the tour were donated to Lukulule, a charity that promotes young musicians and dancers. This side of the pond, Van Risseghem has opened for such acts as Kris Allen, Rooney, Metro Station, and Cake. Van's second album, Passenger (2011) has already begun to generate its own buzz, as he was asked to be the featured entertainer for this year's NCAA Honor's Ceremony. Additionally, a song entitled "The River" can be heard in Brita's "Filter for Good Canada" commercial.
Van Risseghem will be one to watch in the coming months as a rising, self- fashioned artist. His individual passion for his music has already found widespread approval in independent music circles. A recent article in Relevant Magazine has said, suggestive of his grass-roots style: "We know you'll enjoy the vivid, organic tones and heartfelt lyrics because we're not alone." Be sure to keep up with the music and appearances by Van Risseghem at his blog (www.vanriss.com) or friend him on Facebook.
LOVE AGAIN
Van Risseghem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hear you've been tossing and turning around again.
You keep taking those pills like they'll bring you sleep
But just keep choking on your tongue while you're chattering your teeth.
I hope you come around again.
We'll all fall in love again.
But darling, hold your head up high,
Soon we'll all fall in love again.
My sweet savior, my blood is running thin.
I crossed the line, I swear I won't next time, it's just where I've been.
You say I'm not alone but still it's kind of hard to believe
In the comfort of a god who says he'll come to me just like a thief.
We'll all fall in love again.
The waves will crash and the stars will cry
But darling, hold your head up high,
Soon we'll all fall in love again.
Van Risseghem's song Love Again speaks about the struggles of life and the different ways people try to cope with them. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of it. The singer is speaking to a loved one, asking where they've been and noting that they've been struggling to sleep. They've been taking pills, but that doesn't seem to be helping because they're choking on their tongue and chattering their teeth. The singer then offers hope that they will come around again, suggesting that things can get better.
The chorus offers a more universal message. It speaks about the inevitability of falling in love again, despite the challenges and difficulties of life. The metaphor of waves crashing and stars crying creates an image of chaos and sadness, but the message is to keep your head up and keep going. The singer is offering hope to anyone who may be struggling with life or love, suggesting that there is always the possibility of another chance.
The second verse speaks about the singer's own struggles. They mention that their blood is running thin, suggesting that they're feeling drained or weak. They've made mistakes in the past but intend to do better in the future. They express their doubts about finding comfort in God, noting that it's hard to believe that they're not alone. Despite this, the chorus provides comfort in the knowledge that falling in love again is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my baby, where have you been?
Addressing someone who has been missing, probably because of a personal setback or a rough patch, and expressing concern and care about their whereabouts.
I hear you've been tossing and turning around again.
Acknowledging that the person has been having trouble sleeping, probably due to stress or anxiety, and sympathizing with their discomfort.
You keep taking those pills like they'll bring you sleep
Observing that the person has been relying on medication to help them sleep, but also recognizing that it might not be a sustainable solution to their underlying issues.
But just keep choking on your tongue while you're chattering your teeth.
Highlighting the unpleasant side effects of the person's medication, which might be making their sleep even more restless and uncomfortable.
I hope you come around again.
Expressing a sense of longing and hope that the person will be able to overcome whatever is troubling them and reconnect with the artist or their support network.
We'll all fall in love again.
Looking beyond the present difficulties and predicting that everyone, including the person being addressed, will be able to experience love and joy in the future.
The waves will crash and the stars will cry
Using poetic language to create a sense of drama and emotion, suggesting that even the natural world might be affected by the person's struggles.
But darling, hold your head up high,
Encouraging the person to stay strong and resilient, despite the challenges they face.
Soon we'll all fall in love again.
Reaffirming the idea that love and happiness are possible, and that everyone can look forward to a better future.
My sweet savior, my blood is running thin.
Addressing someone who might be seen as a source of comfort or guidance, and admitting that the artist is feeling drained or exhausted.
I crossed the line, I swear I won't next time, it's just where I've been.
Confessing to making a mistake or a misstep, but also reassuring the person that it was not intentional and that the singer has learned from it.
You say I'm not alone but still it's kind of hard to believe
Acknowledging that the person has tried to offer support or reassurance, but also admitting that the artist might still be struggling to accept it.
In the comfort of a god who says he'll come to me just like a thief.
Referring to a religious faith or belief system, and suggesting that the idea of a divine presence can provide some measure of solace or hope, even in difficult times.
Contributed by Benjamin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.