This is part two of the three-part “2k” storyline. See Burning Treehouse first.

As far as the writing of this song, this was another one we started out on acoustics and gradually worked up to the full band arrangement. We were stoked on it for its “more aggressive Foo Fighters and U2” vibe. This was the last song that I tracked on bass at the end of a 12 hour recording session, and it also happens to be almost entirely bass driven on the verses, with a lot of sliding to different positions. I don’t know why I did that to myself but the nerves in my left hand felt weird for two days after recording this.

In this song, the small group of outliers are on their ship when it is approached and attacked by an old friend of theirs. The attacker is someone that used to be a friend, but when tensions grew in the social and political climate, things became bitter. This antagonist comes to stop them from separating and ultimately gives them the choice to return to the country they came from and abide by the rules, or sink.

The head outlier questions loyalty and wonders how many of their former brothers/friends are outside on the opposing ship. They stay inside with their people and speaks to them in an attempt to inspire them to keep sailing. However, their ship ultimately goes down when it is attacked by the others. The heartbroken protagonist grabs onto the enemy and pulls him onto the sinking ship.

This song is about conflict resolution and “agreeing to disagree” when it comes to ideals/beliefs. Again, the days of strict black and white answers are gone. They never should have been here to begin with. We live in a very complex climate where there are multiple ways to see most issues. The important thing is that we do not let our differences come between us so much so that we harm each other.

If you can’t agree with someone, let them have their beliefs. Let it play out for them. You can’t control what everyone thinks, including people you love.

-Gabe