Current members:
Hance Alligood - clean vocals (since 2011)
Kevin Hanson - rhythm guitar (since 2009)
Andrew Paiano - lead guitar (since 2011)
Doriano Magliano- unclean vocals (since 2012)
Brian Medley- bass guitar (since 2012)
Touring members
David Angle (since 2013)
Former members
Austin Thornton - drums, programming (2009-2013)
Tim Sherrill - lead guitar (2009–2010)
Tyler Carter (2009-2011)
Geoffrey Higgins - lead guitar 2011)
Michael Bohn - unclean vocals ( 2009-2013)
Ben Ferris - keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals ( 2009-2012)
Cory Ferris - bass guitar (2009-2012)
If Not For Ourselves
Woe Is Me Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your foundations are crumbling down
I told you so, told you so
Don't be the one to say you know what's right
I told you so, told you so
Don't be the one to say you know my heart
Don't be torn from your roots, you won't live in this pursuit
It won't be long until you're home bound
Stop pretending
Drawing the lines you're not concerned about me,
I'm losing confidence, why do you show no mercy [2x]
These branches are burning, these branches won't pull me down,
Back to the ground, where I am standing, safe and sound
Who are you, to tell us who we are
Who are you, you're a fiend, you're a liar,
And I will summon the hands of a fighter,
And you will know, who we are [4x]
You say you know who I am, you'll only bring me down,
You'll only bring me down, you left me cold at home,
To fight the foundation and the walls are crumbling down [2x]
The lyrics to "If Not For Ourselves" by Woe Is Me discuss the idea of staying true to oneself and not allowing outside influences to tear down one's sense of self. The first verse speaks to the idea of losing one's sense of self and feeling like their foundations are crumbling. The singer warns against becoming too sure of oneself and thinking they know what is right, encouraging listeners to stay rooted to avoid being torn away from their sense of self.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of the singer warning against pretending to care when one truly does not, and the bridge declares that the singer will not tolerate someone telling them who they are. This message is empowered by the repeated lyric, "you will know who we are" and the following lines that warn against those who left the singer cold and alone while they struggled to fight for their beliefs.
The song's lyrics seem to address a personal struggle with someone close to the singer, but the message is one that is broadly applicable to anyone struggling to maintain their sense of self in the face of external pressure. The lyrics urge the listener to stay true to themselves, not allow others to bring them down, and be willing to fight for what they believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
I think you've just about lost, your sense of self,
It appears that you are losing your identity, your foundation is falling apart.
Your foundations are crumbling down
Your beliefs and values are disintegrating, leaving you with no sense of direction.
I told you so, told you so
I warned you about this outcome, as I could see it coming.
Don't be the one to say you know what's right
Do not pretend to have all the answers and do not assume that you are always correct.
Don't be the one to say you know my heart
Do not claim to understand my motives and emotions, as you may not comprehend them accurately.
Don't be torn from your roots, you won't live in this pursuit
Do not lose sight of your values and beliefs, as it will make it impossible to achieve your goals.
You won't survive above this ground,
You will not be able to thrive above a weak foundation.
It won't be long until you're home bound
Soon you will have to return to where you started because you're not making any substantial progress.
Stop pretending
Stop acting like something you're not.
Drawing the lines you're not concerned about me,
You're creating boundaries without taking my thoughts or feelings into account.
I'm losing confidence, why do you show no mercy [2x]
I am starting to lose faith in myself, and your lack of compassion is not helping the situation.
These branches are burning, these branches won't pull me down,
These challenges and obstacles are merely temporary and will not inhibit my progress.
Back to the ground, where I am standing, safe and sound
I will return to my roots, where I feel secure and unencumbered.
Who are you, to tell us who we are
You do not have the authority to define who we are as individuals.
You're a fiend, you're a liar,
You are deceitful and manipulative.
And I will summon the hands of a fighter,
I will call upon my strength and determination to overcome your obstacles.
And you will know, who we are [4x]
You will realize that you cannot belittle or control us.
You say you know who I am, you'll only bring me down,
You think you understand me, but your influence will only lead to failure and despair.
You'll only bring me down, you left me cold at home,
You will only cause setbacks and disappointments, and you failed to provide a supportive environment.
To fight the foundation and the walls are crumbling down [2x]
Trying to overcome obstacles without a strong foundation will lead to failure as the barriers crumble.
Contributed by Sydney K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Adriel Santana
10 anos depois, e ainda sinto vontade de chorar escutando essa música.
AznTrxx
the transitions between clean vocals and screams are just perfect.
Lorena Cruz
I cant stop listening to this song... It's just too amazing!
Deion Mitchell
Great song all around, wish they performed this one live. Lyrics mixed with Tyler's voice gives me chills.
Ashley
This is one of the few bands who actually have meaning to their lyrics.
Steffen McAfee
Woe, Is Me is real!!! you gotta love the fact that they sing about real life!!! its truly amazing!!! Thumbs up if you agree!!
The_Lioness
"You say you know who I am, you'll only bring me down, You'll only bring me down, you left me cold at home, To fight the foundation, and the walls are crumbling down." My favorite part of the whole entire song. <3
22jermz
Woe is me actually has really great lyrics, they're real thought out, it's a nice change, this is my new favorite band
poppledoc
once again woe is me proves to be one of the most talented bands alive <3
Jake Monk
This band is like a mixture of Asking Alexandria, Dance Gavin Dance, and Enter Shikari! It's AWESOME