The band earned accolades for its atmospheric progressive-pop sound on their 2009 debut LP In a Quiet World. In January 2010, the band won the PEAK Performance Project, a "battle of the bands" contest hosted by Vancouver's 100.5 The PEAK.
The trio of Cayne McKenzie (vocals/keyboard), Andrew Huculiak (drums) and David Menzel (guitar) released six songs entitled High School, the result of an experiment that began as a side project during some down time in the summer of 2010. High School was originally envisioned as a fictional band, with the members tying shirts over their faces and adopting aliases in order to disguise their identities. Cayne was Lindsey Jone. Andrew was Matthew Curran. Blake was Bobby Reynolds. The project gave the band a chance to revisit their teenage years, laying bare some shameful memories from their past.
Happy New Year
We Are The City Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I feel love inside my heart
And it's me you want not that boy from France or Quebec or something else
And it′s me, I'm here, I wouldn't be this way if I got what I wanted
No, I definitely didn′t get what I wanted
But I feel love inside my heart
The lyrics to We Are The City's song Happy New Year reflect the inner thoughts and emotions of the singer. The words 'No I'm not here waiting on anyone, especially no Jessika' set the tone for the song and suggest that the singer is not waiting for anyone to validate them or make them feel complete. The next set of lines, 'But I feel love inside my heart and it's me you want not that boy from France or Quebec or something else' demonstrate the singer's self-awareness and self-confidence. The lyrics suggest that the singer is at peace with who they are, and they know that they are loved by someone who values them for who they are.
The song then takes a more reflective turn with the lines, 'And it's me, I'm here, I wouldn't be this way if I got what I wanted. No, I definitely didn't get what I wanted.' These lines indicate that the singer is introspective and has come to terms with the fact that they may not have everything they ever wanted, but they are still grateful for what they do have. The closing lines then bring the song full circle by returning to the idea of love, 'But I feel love inside my heart.' The singer is content with their life, and the love that they feel is all that they need to feel fulfilled.
Overall, the song is a celebration of self-love and acceptance. It encourages the listener to appreciate themselves for who they are and embrace the love that they have in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
No I'm not here waiting on anyone, especially not Jessika
I am not purposely waiting for anyone's arrival, particularly Jessika's.
But I feel love inside my heart
Despite not having a specific person to wait for, I still possess feelings of love within me.
And it's me you want not that boy from France or Quebec or something else
You desire my presence, not that of a boy from a different country or location.
And it's me, I'm here, I wouldn't be this way if I got what I wanted
Because I didn't get what I desired, I am present here as I am now.
No, I definitely didn't get what I wanted
It is clear that my desires were not fulfilled.
But I feel love inside my heart
Despite the disappointment, I still retain feelings of love within me.
Writer(s): Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K. Ulvaeus
Contributed by Blake V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ItsTrashBitch
Its 2021 and i still listen to this a lot
@jr3454
Still here listening.
@sandysalierno
I have loved this song since I first heard it about twelve years ago. Tonight I had a friend, Jessica, be late for a night out and I sang this to her. No one got it because Lithuania, but I've been playing this on repeat because it holds up. Thank you 🤍
@YamsPickard
I've watched this a ridiculous amount of times. Loves it.
@orangejulius3
@Cryst2000 a band called "high school" played a show in kelowna and they wore shirts over their heads, it was awesome because until cayne mckenzie started singing noone new it was we are the city playing their entire new album, it was rad
@Trogdorzzz123
Love love love this song! Come back to Victoria soon! You guys are one of the best bands I've ever heard live. Please get this on itunes. We Are The City + Aidan Knight is the best combo.
@LaEmilyCharlotte
I met you guys in a subway in South Carolina and you gave me a card to check out your music. lol, props.
@EthanHenthorn
In all honesty when I first heard this song I was like: What is We Are The City doing? And then it hit me... their being awesome. Love the new EP listen to it every morning on the bus! Thanks for the music.
@GoertzMarc
I cannot get enough of this song. You guys were super tight in Caronport! Thanks so much for playing!
@matthewlouie4295
Catchy ASF!