Jesusfreakhideout.com: The American Hotel System Can You Hear It?

Artist List / The American Hotel System / Can You Hear It? - EP

05. 21st

Can You Hear It? - EP
by The American Hotel System

Lyrics:

V1
The Twenty-first century screams like the ghost
Of years I've misspent trying to fill up a hole
Drilled by lonely, prideful sorrow

Ref
I'm letting go, down from my throne

V2
It's twenty-one years now that I've been alone
Trying to fake love from this pedestal–
Testimony to all that I boast

CH
I'm Letting go, down from my throne
Cuz' I'll never know what my life could be
In this twenty-first century

V3
It’s twenty-one days now; the habit has formed
The old man is gone now and new life is born
Growing slowly – a heart that's adorned

CH
I'm Letting go, down from my throne
Cuz' I'll never know what my life could be
In this twenty-first century…

V4
Voices saying I'm wrong
Saying that selflessness doesn't belong
It's self matrimony– so just play along

CH
I'm Letting go, down from my throne
Cuz' I'll never know
What my life could be

Instrumental
(In this twenty-first century, twenty-first century)

CH
I'm Letting go, down from my throne
Cuz' I'll never know what my life could be
In this twenty-first century

Lyrics by Jacob L. Betts (ASCAP IPI #1095371544)

Behind the Song:
My greatest struggle in life has been dealing with pride. Six years ago, I reached a breaking point where arrogance dictated my actions, leading to the destruction of many relationships. The day before my 21st birthday, I wrote this song as a testament to the life I desired to live from that point forward. There was a belief, now discredited, that it takes 21 days to form a habit ('It's 21 days now, the habit has formed'), so I personally committed to stepping down from my prideful throne and embracing love for others ('I'm letting go down from my throne, I'll never know what my life could be in this 21st century'). Our culture is heavily focused on self-serving tendencies. The prevalence of instant gratification through technology and the illusion of being the center of attention on social media discourage us from looking out for others. However, I firmly believe that the only way we can progress in this 21st century is by breaking out of our echo chambers and relinquishing the selfishness that bombards us daily. Few concepts are as counter-cultural as selflessness ('21st-century voices saying I'm wrong, saying that selflessness doesn't belong. It's self-matrimony, so just sing along'). Despite practicing selflessness for the past six years, I still require a daily reminder to let go of my pride and prioritize loving others. That's why, even after all this time, we continue to perform this song at every show. It's also the reason why we decided to record a version that reflects our growth as a band and represents who we are. -- Jacob Betts