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.
On My Way
Van Risseghem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think I finally figured
How that I'm not the one who means the most
Did you hear what they say
That it goes first, your friends and lovers
And then your former friends and to the bitter folds
So I'm on my way
And the past is gone and I'm cutting her out
I'll turn it around to something beautiful
I was walking through an open door
The trap was set and I was down on all fours
To be the one to change her desires
Well it starts then it ends then it ends
But honey your broken heart
Is one this boy can never ever mend
And I'm on my way
In spite of what she thinks
And the past is gone and I'm cutting her out
I'll turn it around to something beautiful
To something beautiful
To something beautiful
I'm on my way
In spite of what she thinks
And the past is gone and I'm cutting her out
I'll turn it around to something beautiful
To something beautiful
Van Risseghem's song "On My Way" is a deeply reflective piece about moving on from a situation where one realizes they are not the most important thing in someone else's life. The lyrics suggest a sense of understanding and acceptance, that rather than wasting time on second-guessing, the singer recognizes the value of the relationships in their life and the way those relationships shift and change over time. The line "that it goes first, your friends and lovers, and then your former friends and to the bitter folds" speaks to the natural progression of relationships, how they ebb and flow depending on the circumstances of life.
The singer is moving on from this situation, in spite of the other person's opinion or feelings on the matter. The line "I'll turn it around to something beautiful" suggests an effort to not just move on, but to make something positive out of the experience. The singer seems to suggest that this is not the first time they have found themselves in this position, having been brought down by a trap and trying to change someone's desires. However, the singer acknowledges that they cannot mend the other person's broken heart.
Overall, "On My Way" speaks to the themes of acceptance, self-reflection, and growth through difficult experiences. The song encourages listeners to take ownership of their lives and relationships, to not waste time and energy on things that are out of their control, and to turn negative experiences into something beautiful.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not wasting my seconds on second guesses
I'm not spending my time overthinking things and second-guessing myself.
I think I finally figured
I believe I have finally figured things out.
How that I'm not the one who means the most
I've come to accept that I am not the most important person in someone's life.
Did you hear what they say
Have you heard the saying?
That it goes first, your friends and lovers
The order of importance usually starts with friends and romantic partners.
And then your former friends and to the bitter folds
And then former friends and bitter enemies occupying a vastly lower position in that order.
So I'm on my way
Thus, I am now on my journey.
In spite of what she thinks
Regardless of her opinions.
And the past is gone and I'm cutting her out
I'm leaving the past behind, leaving her out of my life.
I'll turn it around to something beautiful
I'll make something positive out of the situation.
I was walking through an open door
I had an opportunity presented to me.
The trap was set and I was down on all fours
I fell for a trap and was left vulnerable and defenseless.
To be the one to change her desires
To become what she wanted me to be.
Well it starts then it ends then it ends
The situation started, ended, and then it ended definitively.
But honey your broken heart
However, your heart is broken.
Is one this boy can never ever mend
There's nothing this boy can do to heal it.
I'm on my way
I'm now embarking on my journey.
In spite of what she thinks
Even though she may not agree.
And the past is gone and I'm cutting her out
The past is behind me now, I'm removing her from my life.
I'll turn it around to something beautiful
I'll make something beautiful out of this situation.
To something beautiful
Something positive.
Contributed by Adeline P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.