We Came As Romans is a modern metalcore band formed in 2005. Hailing from T… Read Full Bio ↴We Came As Romans is a modern metalcore band formed in 2005. Hailing from Troy, Michigan, We Came As Romans are pushing the envelope, combining influences such as the intertwined singing/screaming vocals of Underoath, the theatrical, orchestra-infused metal of Chiodos, the crushing breakdowns of The Devil Wears Prada and the positive lyrics of August Burns Red on their debut Equal Vision release, To Plant A Seed. Their second album, Understanding What We've Grown to Be, released in September 2011 featured a darker tone than their previous album while still maintaining the band's overall theme of positivity and brotherhood. They released their third album titled Tracing Back Roots on July 23, 2013.

On August 25, 2018, the band released a statement on their social media accounts that Kyle Pavone, their vocalist, had died at the age of 28. A few days later, on August 31, the band released a statement that revealed his cause of death as an accidental drug overdose and announced that a foundation had been started in his honor.
On September 11, 2018, Dave Stephens released a statement about the band via social media, confirming that the band will not replace Kyle Pavone. Dave confirmed that the band will go on tour with Bullet for My Valentine and Bad Omens as scheduled, honoring Kyle and talking about his foundation.

Signed to Equal Vision Records (announced April 16th) after being named Alternative Press’ “Best Unsigned Band” early 2009.
Currently signed to SharpTone Records.

Current Members:
Dave Stephens – Vocals
Joshua Moore - Guitar
Lou Cotton – Guitar
Andy Glass – Bass
David Puckett – Drums

Former members:
Kyle Pavone – Vocals/Synth (died 2018)
Eric J. Choi – Drums
Jonny Nabors – bass, backing vocals
Sean E. Daly – bass, backing vocals
Sean N. Zelda – drums, backing vocals
Mark Myatt – lead vocals
Chris Moore – clean vocals, keyboards, synthesizers
Larry Clark – lead vocals

The World I Used to Know
We Came As Romans Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We've been living in the shadows everyday (everyday)
Are we every gonna learn from our mistakes? (Our mistakes)
Our innocence, our ignorance, were lost but they'll be found
The innocence of years we spent

I remember the day, between the past and the pain
We were never afraid of places unknown
There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air

We will never be scared of letting go
What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)
What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)
What happened to the world I used to know?

We've been given all these chances everyday (everyday)
Another step to take in this could change (this could change)
Our innocence, our ignorance were lost but they'll be found
The innocence of years we spent

I remember the day, between the past and the pain
We were never afraid of places unknown
There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air
We will never be scared of letting go
What happened to the world I used to know?

Even though it's not the same (remember when we made our first steps)
It's always just a thought away (holding on to never forget)
I still feel it now

I remember the days, between the past and the pain
We were never afraid of places unknown
There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air
We will never be scared of letting go
What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)
What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)
We were living in the shadows everyday (everyday)

Are we ever gonna learn from our mistakes?
What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)

Overall Meaning

The song "The World I Used to Know" by We Came As Romans is a reflection on the loss of innocence and the impact of choices we make in life. The lyrics draw attention to the fact that we often live in the shadows of our past, and wonder whether we can learn from our mistakes. The opening lines of the song repeat the phrase "we've been living in the shadows everyday" to emphasize the theme of regret and the desire to start anew. The lyrics also speak to the idea of the unknown, claiming in the chorus that "we were never afraid of places unknown."

The song also takes the time to lament the loss of innocence that we all face as we grow older. The lyrics state, "our innocence, our ignorance, were lost but they'll be found, the innocence of years we spent." This is an acknowledgement that while we cannot go back to the past, we can still find our way forward and regain some of the hope and optimism of our youth.

Overall, "The World I Used to Know" is a poignant and reflective song that encourages listeners to embrace their past mistakes and use them as a means of growth rather than dwelling in regret.

Line by Line Meaning

We've been living in the shadows everyday (everyday)
We've been hiding from reality, afraid to face our mistakes.

Are we every gonna learn from our mistakes? (Our mistakes)
Will we ever acknowledge our mistakes and make a change?

Our innocence, our ignorance, were lost but they'll be found
The purity and lack of knowledge we had before has been taken away, but we can regain it.

The innocence of years we spent
The innocence we had when we were young.

I remember the day, between the past and the pain
A specific memory of a time before their pain and hardships.

We were never afraid of places unknown
They were fearless and willing to take risks.

There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air
They had trust in themselves and the future.

We will never be scared of letting go
They will not hold onto the past and will embrace change.

What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)
Questioning what went wrong and reminiscing about the good times.

We've been given all these chances everyday (everyday)
They have been given countless opportunities to make things right.

Another step to take in this could change (this could change)
There is always the possibility for improvement and growth.

Even though it's not the same (remember when we made our first steps)
Things have changed but they still hold onto their memories.

It's always just a thought away (holding on to never forget)
Memories are easily accessible and they will never forget.

We were living in the shadows everyday (everyday)
Reiterating their fear of facing reality.

What happened to the world I used to know? (I used to know, I used to know)
Questioning again what changed and longing for a return to the past.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID STEPHENS, JOSHUA MOORE, KYLE PAVONE, STEVE AIELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Abid Muhtadi

5y↑63

[Lyrics]
We've been living in the shadows everyday
Are we ever gonna learn from our mistakes?
Our innocence, our ignorance, were lost but they'll be found
The innocence of years we spent

I remember the days, between the past and the pain
We were never afraid of places unknown
There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air
We will never be scared of letting go
What happened to the world I used to know?
What happened to the world I used to know?
What happened to the world I used to know?

We've been given all these chances everyday
Another step to take in this could change
Our innocence, our ignorance were lost but they'll be found
The innocence of years we spent

I remember the days, between the past and the pain
We were never afraid of places unknown
There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air
We will never be scared of letting go
What happened to the world I used to know?

Even though it's not the same, remember when we made our first steps
It's always just a thought away, holding on to never forget
I still feel it now

I remember the days, between the past and the pain
We were never afraid of places unknown
There was nothing to fear, there was faith in the air
We will never be scared of letting go
What happened to the world I used to know?
What happened to the world I used to know?
We were living in the shadows everyday
Are we ever gonna learn from our mistakes?

What happened to the world I used to know?

All comments from YouTube:

Abid Muhtadi

5y↑63

Michael Epp

6y↑226

RIP Kyle Pavone, you’ll be remembered forever by your fans

Jessie Suzanne

@Shelley Daughtrey He passed away from an accidental overdose..

Auerra K

2y↑1

@Shelley Daughtrey I'm late but he was the clean vocalist and passed away Dec 2020 :[

TobieL Gaming

Miss kyle ❤️❤️😢😢😢😢😢😢

Shelley Daughtrey

4y↑1

I'm new to this band And i really like them.....who is kyle and what happened? :(

Theingam Shimrah

4y↑1

@Ajoy Horam He mean something great for me

2 More Replies...

Razor V

5y↑17

Every time I see Kyle smile and enjoy himself in this video I can’t help but tear up😢 I miss him so much and he will never ever be forgotten, even though now he’s singing with the saints

3DDuDeRuLeZ

8y↑17

I see a lot of people hating in the comments while I'm here enjoying this masterpiece. This song is really good!

Matthew Lohman

8y↑3

@3DDuDeRuLeZ yesss

3DDuDeRuLeZ

8y↑2

+Matthew Lohman right? The song is amazing

Matthew Lohman

8y↑3

I agree

_Saiko

9y↑244

This is so good. I love the old Wcar, but this is really good.

kennedy Nelson

+Skyline_R2D2 agreed.

Malachy Lewin

9y↑3

+Caitlin Criswell Same! They are still amazing as you were saying! *high fives*

notmabooh Follow meh

9y↑2

+Caitlin Criswell True fans preach! What about A Skylit Drives new members are pretty good! There's so much change in sound nowadays, like The Devil Wears Prada too. Rock On! \m/

the_caitastrophe

9y↑8

yes, exactly. I get sick of the "omg they sound so different, they suck now" comments. I mean, if you keep making the same shit you always make, you're just going to end up recreating the same 20 songs over and over again. this is quite possibly why I detest a lot of metal/post/whatever core bands who never go for diversity... it all starts to sound the same after a few albums. like yeah, I get it, you wrote some awesome chord progressions to go with that bass line... now that you've used it in at least four different songs, can you learn some new notes? please?

tl;dr: change isn't always a bad thing! I think WCAR sound just as great now as they did from their first single.

PRAISEME_KINGZAMASU

@sabit sabit If only everyone had your wisdom! lol

7 More Replies...

Agnes Victoria

9y↑150

it's so crazy how artists like Taylor Swift gets more attention than music like this. I don't get it.. This is a great song!

Scavenger GP

Because Most of the people today are driven by fear of the truth that this world is fucked up.

Isaac Ra

3y↑1

Ha! They covered a Taylor Swift song (and crushed it)

Ian J

3y↑2

Agreed. Fuck pop culture! Bring on the rock music!

MrFlipperInvader792

3y↑1

Because rock doesn't rule the charts anymore

MrFlipperInvader792

5y↑1

Cause post gardcore ain't mainstream anymore

1 More Replies...

Mikeycfc 46

8y↑107

People be complaining but this is their best song imo.

Cringey_Swine

Don't know why people dislike this song plus the self-titled is literally one of their most unique albums imo. This is coming from a guy that's been listening since the To Plant A Seed album as well.

Ryan Yoder

Eh I like just about all their songs apart from encoder

Simon

4y↑2

Ikr. It's their most underrated song. I k ow it was on the radio for a while, but I mean underrated by fans

Roundbodyking

My favorite is to plant a seed

Zander J

Everyone has opinion but this is a solid song.

5 More Replies...

Cult of Timmy

9y↑7

6 years later, more radio friendly. Now their older and more mature in MY opinion. These are the nicest guys you will ever meet. I think fans want to much of them. Maybe. Did we ever think they were gonna sound like this ? No. Old and new WCAR is and will always be amazing. Whatever they want to sound like should be their choice at the end of the day. Proud of you guys for getting this far

Angela Couchman

2y↑2

Remember this song. Has always gotten me through tough times. It’s so memorable!

Sonny Edmonson

8y↑3

Love or hate this band, no one will ever tell me that they aren't one of the most influential bands. The lyrics are so powerful. If more mainstream (shitty pop, rap, etc.) bands could write like they do, I'd probably acknowledge that mainstream sound as being real music

Matthew Lohman

If I could like this comment 292728272 times I would

natalia silva

6y↑1

Amo demais , vocês são muito top e as músicas é viciante

HopeAnchors

8y↑12

I love every album wcar has put out thus far. Yeah this album was a change, but it was for the good. Honestly, the fact that they went to this rock style is awesome. I'm glad they did this and I love it <3

Sara Klimpke-Buttry

7y↑4

lucas oliver The same shit happened with Bring Me The Horizon. Still great music. Weak minded people cannot adjust to change. I enjoy this.

Kate Z

9y↑15

This song is powerful. You guys can keep on bitching about how they changed their sound, but think of how drastically different you were 5 years ago. If you can say you're the same person, I truly feel sorry for you. Just listen to the music.

Paige Moore

9y↑4

Loved this song so much it was so cool seeing them at warped tour 2015 at the shoreline.so amazing!💗!💗!💗

McKenzie Bartlett

+raylene moore LUCKY!

spicy rice ball

They were amazing!! I wS there too :D

Malachy Lewin

9y↑5

Awesome, amazing, incredible as always! I LOVE We Came As Romans, just as much now as ever. This video is really awesome, and amazingly made. The Song is brilliant too, as ever. We Came As Romans are still amazing, they haven't digressed in anyway at all. They are just exploring new music, so stop saying how much worse they are and everything.

All who Love WCAR old or new, LIKE THIS COMMENT AND LET'S GIVE THEM SOME SUPPORT!!!

James Naranjo

Instant vibes makes you just wanna get up and move. Been years since I’ve really played them constantly def one of the most underrated bands love em. Rip Kyle may you see your greatness still from above

Ashton Songer

6y↑65

R.I.P Kyle, you were a talented artist.

VASTO

3y↑1

I recently discovered this band and it’s the best thing that happened to me this week

Erik Martus

Amazing album. I love old WCAR and I love how they've changed. This album, for me, isn't their best release (to me nothing can beat TPAS and UWWGTB) but still I couldn't be happier having yet another album by these guys. This one feels sort of like an experimental album to me. Like over the past fives years they've changed and are experimenting with a different sound than when they started. I say this after listening through the album a couple of times and a lot of the songs have a different feel than others on the record. But also if you think that they have changed too much go and see them live. I have seen them twice in the past year and a half and they still play mostly their older stuff. In their hearts they are still the same guys trying to have fun and impact our lives.

Marr M.

8y↑2

Came in expecting to dislike this, but it's actually pretty good. One of the few post-hardcore that doesn't sound the same or worse with each release. Good job! :)

Ade N. Syarip

9y↑11

this album is fuckin' awesome
very like it

Ade N. Syarip

9y↑1

tear it down :-) make me headbang

DK

+Ade N. Syarip Whats ur favorite song?

Zaelott

Foda demais essa banda e essa música aí fantástica show de bola

Romney14yea

Loved them when they started & still love their music now, they're awesome!

Pain Alford

4y↑1

So many people sleep on "we came as Romans" this band lit af. I love and support them 100%

Haley Duba

Wecar is amazing, they were 6 years ago and they still are. They prove how talented they are by being able to play anything and make it phenomenal!

Nikki Marie

I LOVE THIS SONG.
they played it at warped tour and it was beautiful!

Enrique Boyer

You're the best guys. Love this song and music video. WCAR has been my favorite band since 2009, keep in that way!! Can someone tell me what means the new art of the album cover, please?

Victoria Sillo

This is my new favorite song right now. I'm seriously obsessed with it.

Tom Morillon

8y↑8

I love this song

CHBlackk

8y↑1

I am in LOVE with this song 0 I love WCAR and his previous genres but I am not complaining about this new style they chose

fel_ again

Love it!!!!

Luana Andrade

Adoro essa música

Elen Smith-Miller

literally can't stop listening to this song! It's so good!❤

Music Plus with Troy

Wow, what an amazing video, the new album is AMAZING! Much love for WCAR!

Dusti Dostlik

I have been a fan since the fist time I saw them in Flagstaff about 4 years ago. I love the evolution of their music. I do miss their earlier sound, but I do love the new stuff and where it is going. I can't wait for the new album to drop next month. Good job guys. Forever a fan!

Lesly Milan

BEST BAND EVER
HAVE SEEN THEM LIVE TWICE AND I COULDNT LOVE THEM ANYMORE

Miss Manequinn

All time favorite band. I can't wait for the new album, I preordered it a few weeks ago 😭

Sydney Biersack

I love David <3 he was SO nice!!!!! And Andy!! They were the most energy filled out of the band!! I can't wait 'till next years Warped Tour!!! I hope you guys can go again!!

Jose Andres Cofre

your music will live forever in me, help me when I needed it most, especially in my adolescence, rest in peace Kyle Pavon ❤🤘

Shayla Rutledge

I love this song!!

maroreena

8y↑31

I love this song

Nurul Oni Najihah Bt. M. Shariff

Smiling all the time watchin this vid.. THEY'RE JUST PERFECT!!!!

Kristina Buckley

Even though WCAR has changed, their music still gets me. <3

StevoMovement

In my opinion this song is awesome! One of their best songs! :D

Christopher White

Great song. My favorite from you guys so far.

Alex Dalton

8y↑3

one of the best songs you've ever done

Joy M

I will never forget the time they performed live in Amsterdam !! They're just AMAZING !!! Love these guys! too bad there was no meet and greet that day : (!

Melsymel mel

R.I.P. Kyle. Praying for your friends and family. My daughter and I have only the best memories of listening to you guys and seeing you so many times in concert we’ve lost count! ❤️❤️❤️

Bryant Keith

9y↑3

Can anyone just respect fucking music? If you dont like the way it sounds, don't listen to it. Bands change, just like people. It's bound to happen. Regardless of if it's "generic" or "mainstream", it's music. It's what they enjoy doing. If you're that butt hurt about it, you have a problem. Kyle and David are still both talented, along with the rest of the band. Let them make music. And by the way, the whole album isn't like this. Every band has a softer song here and there

Paul Bracken

8y↑29

I miss the old days when the world was a good place to live

Shona

8y↑1

+Richard Melzer Yeah but those are people with genuine hatred for another country or group of people. Still awful, yes, but people wishing death upon others over a simple difference of opinion really puts it into perspective of how much of a shitshow the modern world now is.

Richard Melzer

+Shona Murders every week

Shona

8y↑4

Nowadays we just have elitists complaining and telling eachother to kill themselves.

Richard Melzer

8y↑2

We all do buddy

Jeff Fitzgerald

Not what I expected from the new album, but in a good way. Mature sound for a talented group of guys. Keep up the hard-work.

Danielle Ivey

I love that they included the Gm building, and Hart Plaza in this video!!! I'm from the metro Detroit area too, so I have much love for We Came As Romans. They never produce a bad song, heck I look forward to their new album coming out this year, as well.

Alexis Rodriguez

Love the work the guys have been putting out! Been a fan of theirs since day 1! I really don't know why people have to comment how they miss the old WCAR, I mean we all change and if they want to change up the music, let them! Listen to their old tracks then. Complaining isn't going to change their mind. They're progressing and I love how they still stand for what the band always believed in. Hope. The guys themselves haven't changed and are one of the most down to earth bands you'll ever meet. I'm really loving the new album and I'm so glad they still make music! Not many bands can make it as far and they're just so incredible. Love the music, love the message, and I will always support the guys!

Chiara Quartararo

8y↑1

Yesterday i was at Alcatraz in Milan! I'd never listen you before and ..you are amazing guys!!! good job :D I hope to see you soon in Italy !!

Go Jira

been listening to since first album, still my favorite band

Alicia Hernandez

Love it❕❕❕❕❕

Meymar Cris Chavarria Morales

Wooow this is a amazing song!! i love it
great Band (y)

Jason Easterling

Love this band

Samuel Bailey

Great job on the song! By the way, hoping to find a 'ten years ago' lyric in one of the songs on the new album :)

Perri Yellow Bird

Love this song! <3

Jose Curvo

6y↑4

R.I.P Kyle Pavone.. Thank you for all the amazing music! 🤟

Diego Jacques

Contrary to what most say, I think that the progressive change WCAR has been since their first album is so great, they have been improving a new sound to this band and I LOVE IT, since To Plant A Seed to this new album, they have never ceased to be my favorite post-hardcore band. The change isn't always bad. Enjoy this awesome song.

Tina Russo

Everything I was thinking about this world put into a song you guys couldn't of done any better the song is great keep it up

Jonathan Ebling

This is great. I love the new album.

True Little pet shop

Love this song

Pokemon Freaks22

Love this song

Sarah

9y↑52

All of you people bitching about the new sound, you obviously haven't read anything that they said in interviews about this album. They really worked together on this album, even if you don't think it. You can't just have the same sound forever either, or else you wouldn't be progressing as an artist. Progression with a band's sound makes them more mature and let's them discover talent they may not have seen before. I mean look at Dave! His cleans are so much better on this album than they are on TBR. You gotta give him credit for that. As Telle Smith (I know, different band) tweeted "We can't be afraid of change bed has stagnation begins the death of art. Progression is natural evolution & our passionate fans are the difference between us & the current mainstream. Our world is loyal, supportive, & open minded. Go prove it to the world." That's coming from an artist who's supported WCAR and knows what it's like to change sound as well. Learn something from that.

TheDarkRoy 179

7y↑1

YOU COMENT IS THRASH OLD WCAR FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!1111

McKenzie Bartlett

8y↑3

+Sarah Miles Why fuck does this not have more likes?! Its the absolute truth! Some people are just too ignorant to understand what you said and what a few others have said about WCAR. I absolutely love this new album but I also love their old ones too. You have to move with society in order to stay in the good graces and if their happy with this album then kudos to them for doing shit they love! Cheers!

Sarah

9y↑11

And to continue, yes I do absolutely love TPAS & UWWGTB, but I also love the newer albums as well. They all have had meaning to me somehow and made WCAR my favorite band. I dare all of you who are bitching to actually go up to WCAR and say it to their faces if you still can't figure it out. Hell, I sure wouldn't. I met them and they're some of the most wonderful people you'll meet. Wouldn't want to ruin that now would you? Good luck

Evan Blackwell

9y↑1

Everyone should be open to a bands change. It gives you a new sound to listen to rather them pumping out the same album over and over. It shows how much the band matures and this album is amazing

kadog 64

Love it

Sydney Bean

Lol, they get better and better every able!! Love them so much!!

Krista Horton

love this song <3

Stephen

9y↑3

This isn't far one of the coolest music videos I have seen in a long time :)

asla

9y↑2

Eu não acredito que saiu clipe dessa música <3 :')

Cesario Prayodhatama

So good, so good well done!

Kayla Baker

I love them sooo much i got to meet Dave and Kyle at Warped Tour and i almost had a heart attack💕

Sydney Paillet

I like there stepping out there boundrys they sound good even without screaming :) good job wcar!!

wolf foxxx

And as the good old bands change, I find myself drifting deeper into the hardcore metal life..

Dylan Snowrove

This song sounds like something that would be played during a movie's ending credits, but like a movie that had a big cliffhanger.

Julio Escobedo

Espectacular!

SleightNinja

Saw them in Denver last night and they were amazing live!

Chayenna Maessen

LOVE IT

František Šimek

I can't help but I just love their new sound without screams

Kimberly Lyew

Both of them are singing that is just amazing to listen from both of them

Angel Garcia

Love it when a new band I did not know about gets me hooked by the first song I happen to tap on.

Ximena Melodeath

9y↑1

This is so peacefully, lovely :') This is my damn year <3

BMTH, Blessthefall y We Came As Romans <3 This must be heaven!

Andrew Marques

muito fera

Afton Brennan

favorite song from them. saw them today.. they're so fucking good!

diego isla

me encanto este temaso gracias we came as romans su fans de chile :)

Czech Republic

+diego isla DE URUGUAY ! SALUDOS !

Kyle Schirle

I LOVED to plant a seed but then I became upset with Dave's new style of screaming so i didnt like the next few albums but I have to say this new album is killer I LOVE IT

Yesh

6y↑1

We came as Romans is always Metalcore but when they decide to do a Hardrock song! They blow my mind up!

Michael Smarr

This is seriously one of my favorite songs. R.I.P. Kyle.

Connor Sanford

these guys are really good live

R

Love the song...love the band then and now

MmmChestnut

I too prefer their older sound overall, but I like their new style of structure and further developed talent. The way I see it, if you liked their older sound, those albums provided more than enough songs for it. I love the new sound in it's own way and I love this band.

Mickan Von Footscray Market

I like the lyrics and themes to this song. I think it speaks a stark truth about growing up and experiencing a new world, a world with little representation of the care free world of our late teens. At first this song could be mistaken for a latent display of merging a more formal tincture with the former post-hardcore elements. However the idea of a ' between the past and the pain' is a crucial sub element of essential nature, an idea so powerful, yet We Came As Romans are able to address it in what comes across as a more radio friendly song, credibly more satisfying to a universal audience.