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.
Peace of Mind
Van Risseghem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But if you come on and give me a try
I guarantee to make it worth your while
Cause you're such a beautiful girl
Who I bet odds been given the world
A few too many times before
And all I know, is she could be my regular
But I've got no shot of dating her,
They tell me that looks don't apply
But we all know that it's a lie when it comes to you and I
So I take my hands and raise them both up high
Surrendering my failed attempts to be who's on your mind
So hear me all again and all this time
So meanwhile I'll keep my peace of mind
Sometimes I wonder what's the use
Of us both casually dating
I think we're just waiting to be worth someone's while
You're not the one I want to chase, the one I want to embrace
I found my fear, I don't have a place
So I take my hands and raise them both up high
Surrendering my failed attempts to be who's on your mind
So hear me all again and all this time
So meanwhile I'll keep my peace of mind
You know exactly how it feels
You know exactly how it feels
To be alone
And all I know, is she could be my regular
My shot at love
But I've got no shot of dating her,
They tell me that looks don't apply
But we all know that it's a lie when it comes to you and I
So I take my hands and raise them both up high
Surrendering my failed attempts to be who's on your mind
So hear me all again and all this time
So meanwhile I'll keep my peace of mind
My peace of mind
Van Risseghem's song "Peace of Mind" has lyrics that represent the internal conflict of a person who is interested in someone who is out of their league. The singer starts by acknowledging that they are not the typical guy that this girl would look for, but they are willing to try and make themselves worthy of her attention. The girl is described as beautiful and someone who has probably been chased after a lot. However, the singer expresses pessimism that they will ever have a chance with her because, despite being told that looks don't matter, they know that it's a lie when it comes to pursuing someone like her.
The chorus talks about the importance of keeping "peace of mind" even in the face of unrequited love. The singer recognizes that pursuing this girl may be a futile effort and decides to let go of the pursuit. They acknowledge that they have found their fear and do not have a place with this person. The song ends on a melancholic note, sympathizing with the girl's own sense of loneliness and the impossibility of the singer's affection being reciprocated.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not your typical guy
I don't fit the typical societal expectations of a guy
But if you come on and give me a try
If you give me a chance, I promise I'll make it worth your while
I guarantee to make it worth your while
I assure you that it'll be worth your time
Cause you're such a beautiful girl
You're incredibly beautiful
Who I bet odds been given the world
I'm sure you've received the best of everything in life
A few too many times before
Perhaps even more than you deserved
And all I know, is she could be my regular
I see you as a potential partner
My shot at love
My chance to find love
But I've got no shot of dating her,
Unfortunately, I feel like I don't have a chance with you
They tell me that looks don't apply
Society says that looks shouldn't matter
But we all know that it's a lie when it comes to you and I
But deep down, we know that looks do matter between us
So I take my hands and raise them both up high
I'm giving up on trying to pursue you
Surrendering my failed attempts to be who's on your mind
I'm letting go of the idea that I could be the one on your mind
So hear me all again and all this time
I hope you hear my message clearly
So meanwhile I'll keep my peace of mind
I'll try to maintain my calmness and inner peace
Sometimes I wonder what's the use
I often question the purpose of our casual dating
Of us both casually dating
Of us seeing each other nonchalantly
I think we're just waiting to be worth someone's while
I believe we're both looking for something more meaningful
You're not the one I want to chase, the one I want to embrace
I don't want to pursue you or hold you close
I found my fear, I don't have a place
I've realized my fear and uncertainty about this relationship
You know exactly how it feels
You understand the emotions I'm going through
To be alone
To feel isolated and lonely
My peace of mind
The state of calmness and contentment I want to maintain
Contributed by Stella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.