Jesusfreakhideout.com celebrates 30 Years online in 2026... Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation August 13, 2026!

Can You Hear It? - EP cover
05. 21st
Album: Can You Hear It? - EP
Artist: The American Hotel System
 

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

 

More Lyrics from Can You Hear It? - EP

  1. 01. Can You Hear It?
  2. 02. Tripping
  3. 03. Fire
  4. 04. Seattle
  5. 05. 21st
  6. 06. Not The End
                 
Get $20 off $50 and up order when you use our link -- and we'll get a discount, too!

Search JFH



This Thursday, November 5
VINYL
Chris Renzema Every December Vinyl [Centricity]

This Friday, November 6
ALBUMS
Big Daddy Weave It's Time For Christmas - EP [Curb]
Hillside Recording & Addy Prado Come and See - EP (independent)
Meadows DESERT WALKER (CD) [Facedown Records]
Mystical Death Across [Rottweiler]
Chris Tomlin Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship) [Capitol CMG]
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas LIVE) [Curb]
Mark Wills Grand Ole Revival [Gaither]

SINGLES
Elan Brio, Illustrate Reactors - Single [Polished Arrow]
Olivia Lane Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton & Dave Barnes What Should I Get You For Christmas - Single [BEC]
Blessing Offor The King Has Come - Single [Capitol CMG]
Hunter Plake Holly Jolly Christmas - Single [BEC]
River Valley Worship Come and Behold - Single [BEC]
Tae Lamar, YP aka Young Paul The Re-Up - Single [Polished Arrow]
Vineyard Worship Jesus Our Christ - Single [Vineyard]
Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans Peace on Earth - Single [Fair Trade]

VINYL
Meadows DESERT WALKER Vinyl [Facedown]

Next Wednesday, November 11
ALBUMS
Anberlin Currency [Equal Vision]

Next Friday, November 13
ALBUMS
Blanca A Christmas To Remember [Curb]
Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas: 10th Anniversary Edition [Capitol CMG/AG]
Jackie Hill Perry Still Blameless (Deluxe) [Velvet Blue]
Leem of the Earth See [Velvet Blue]
Tye Tribbett V20: First Semester (Live) [Freligious]

SINGLES
Jordan Feliz Fast - Single [Centricity]
Josh Grove Glory - Single (independent)
Living Again Get This Far - Single (independent)
Magdalene Rose the terrifying reality of it all - Single [Rockfest]
Hunter Plake Silver Bells - Single [BEC]
Matthew Plante OVEN MITT! - Single [Dream]
Jordan St. Cyr Angels We Have Heard On High - Single [BEC]
Natasha Zimbaro Emmanuel - Single [Wings]

VINYL
Anberlin Currency Vinyl [Equal Vision]

For all release dates, click here!