Aaron Weiss Talks Meaning of Mewithoutyou Lyrics, Spirituality, and How He Finds Peace

[@backyardlive1194]

Aaron Weiss is one of the best lyricists of our time.

[@williamcole960]

He IS, THE best lyricist of OUR time haha

[@Brokenhill42]

@@williamcole960 I would argue Joanna Newsom is THE best :P

[@cleverestx]

and human

[@jbasti227]

Undeniably

[@hannahwinchester777]

Agreed❤

[@laurens7604]

i so badly wish i could tell aaron his religious "fanaticisim" was, to me, deep vulnerability and truth that i also felt. I don't think it was that insincere... everyone knows themselves, i know. but i so hope he doesn't throw that era away. The person of Jesus is truth, and preaching Jesus is the most loving thing someone can do, if they love Jesus and the people around them. It's hard to not have a sense of a bit of "arrogance" or leadership over people just because of what fame is. I regret that his time with that guy he looked up to kind of discounted Aaron's sincerity that touched so many people at that time, so many christians like me who needed to hear Jesus is good, but also the world can feel like a graveyard. I am just praying now that if there was anything good thrown out, that it'll come back to him, with no shame. Love this person and I'm so happy he has a wife and daughter now! I wish him the best

[@slugworth118]

SAME HERE! I first encountered the Holy Spirit at a MewithoutYou concert in 2009. I subsequently gave my life to Christ. Some years later, I went to another MewithoutYou concert and got to talk to Aaron Weiss. I excitedly told him my testimony and he kinda just frowned and said, “Well, I hope you’ve found peace.” I responded, “I have.” I’m praying that he finds his way back to Jesus, especially now that MewithoutYou has disbanded.

[@CELERYLAWN]

Words can not do the justification of how much this band and this man has helped me! Sending my love to everyone

[@yousmokemid]

While not particularly religious at all myself, I think it is really awesome that Aaron acknowledges that his music doesn't always have to portray a bigger picture or deeper meaning. This band is beyond amazing, and I can't imagine having never discovered them back when I was a teenager. I'm thankful for the poetry and music that mewithoutYou has given the world over the years. Listening to their newest album, Pale Horses, figuratively takes me back in time and reminds me of the sound that made me fall in love their music.

[@flamingorock]

What a conscious dude

[@SarahZ333]

I love Aaron Weiss so much

[@Inabeshidare]

Aaron's honesty is inspiring

[@jonshusman2909]

I feel like Wolf am I! shows his personality really well after listening to this,

[@SkeetSystem]

He has such crippling impostor syndrome. I think when people pour through his lyrics he assumes they are looking for truths but we're just there to see someone struggle with truth as eloquent as we'd hope to be. When I revisit his words every so often in my older age I'm baffled that he wrote some of this stuff in his early twenties.

[@SilversteinRescue]

Very well said!! I wish he would read this comment.

[@questionauthority7025]

I think the concepts he wrote about in his early twenties are timeless, human, and transcendent. He is also very well read so there are borrowed concepts (from religion especially) and quotes, so what we have here is a lyricist with brutal honesty, intelligence and flow but also bringing in ideas that are more powerful and larger than any person or group. Mitakuye Oyasin

[@crazycatman5928]

I’d like to think that a song will have a different meaning to different people, and that meaning whatever it may be…then keep that close to your heart.

[@EBHS230DE]

This is philosophical sound and thats rare when it comes to musicians

[@tyhilton6427]

Mexican war streets (revisited) made me feel feelings I haven't felt in a long time.

[@williamcole960]

Which lyrics in particular?

[@humbugHope]

This is one of the most beautiful songs to exist, I agree!

[@justaderrickrosestan]

@@williamcole960 "the colorful hills talked me down from the bridge" a line I believe was him talking about his, almost, suicide attempt

[@timetellersunion3711]

Jesus bless you

[@CELERYLAWN]

All is love and love is real

[@nophonecamera]

Glad I found this. Very honest. Very insightful.

[@calebdeibert4952]

I love this guy. Met him once. Super cool guy. Great lyrics honestly one of the best I've read

[@kathleenherrmann436]

😂 funny story I was a nanny/primary caregiver of three children. They spent deal of time in my car with my music. Lots of dancing at traffic lights ☺️ We stumbled into one of your songs (gentleman) and at first bc the style was so different for us we weren't sure what to make of it. But we kind of made a game of pausing and straight faced turning to each other to say the most serious lines. In fact the oldest would request it everytime they got in the car and wed kind of ironically enjoy it (sorry 😬)..after about 3 listens we realized we were super into it; no joke! I bought your album and even got others into it (youre welcome 😉😅) Anyway, one day I was grabbing the kids some fast food. We pulled up to the Wendy's drive thru window and spoke with a very kind man. He said "ok "you guys come back now". My 5 year old passionately unbuckled her seat belt, stuck her head out of the window, looked the poor man dead I the eyes and said in a deep voice "oh, I'm coming back, 😐 and you better be alone". 🤦🤷‍♀️ Still one of my favorite memories and one of my favorite bands. Thanks for the inspiration 😘

[@amlisvess3445]

I read this comment quite a long time ago. Ever since, I laugh so hard when I listen to that song and the line you're referring to pops up. I can't help but think of your comment and wonder what the man thought lmao. I wish I could've been there to experience such a hilarious moment.

[@kathleenherrmann436]

@@amlisvess3445 that actually makes me super happy! Thanks for enjoying that moment vicariously with us

[@C2razzy]

I hate how the camera angels switch back and forth non stop. love the interview

[@caseyburnett6530]

This interview has some rough editing.

[@healthandspirit3238]

typical conclusion of a petty first world brat

[@MadDogHoek23]

Just the audio

[@williamcole960]

Yea not just the audio lol the cuts are bad I agree

[@rianczer]

it's fucking schizophrenic

[@SilversteinRescue]

Very stressful to watch lol

[@willynanney]

Aaron is an extremely self aware individual

[@GreenWeasel11]

…the poor guy.

[@concars1234]

@@GreenWeasel11 He's spiritual power

[@GreenWeasel11]

@@concars1234 What?

[@concars1234]

@@GreenWeasel11 He has a lot of spiritual power I should say

[@GreenWeasel11]

@@concars1234 thank you for the clarification. That makes much more sense.

[@jJesusISKING]

i like ur sweater jacket aaron

[@cryofsolace4840]

The path to Kamata in spring

[@meo150]

Love all those bands too dustins sick. Just heard a line in julia that hit hard. These guys are so fun

[@hannahwinchester777]

Anytime a guru gets involved, its not good...read everything for yourself was the best advice i ever got...

[@GreenWeasel11]

It seems to have worked out all right for Ram Dass.

[@johnbrockman1912]

I never thought much about his lyrics. They are Definitely dense with idea. However i always just assumed he was making up stories to play with his band. Much like most lyricists do.

[@taipeipersonality]

Two words: lav mic

[@FaithFallRepentGraceRepeat]

Something tells me the guy that Aaron ran into lead him astray by causing him to doubt himself. AARON......fanatic or not, YOU WERE ON THE RIGHT TRACK. Retrace your steps. 🙌🏾

[@punkseth1]

At 3:30 what song writer does he mention?

[@DentonEthan]

good ol Morrissey

[@spiritandflesh8477]

I think that encounter he had with that individual shook him off the path. You can be certain of truth and its objectivity because they are not another's words but the Word itself declares it was breathed out by God. At that point you either believe that or not. You could hear searching and seeking in the music of the first couple albums, and I still like the last couple albums, but the search to know God or truth really is present in their early music. That is where Christ differs from any other religion, he claims objectivity and exclusivity which demands belief or unbelief, no in between. Christ can't be unified with any other religion, just doesn't work that way. No matter the case, I love the music these guys make, no one else like them out there.

[@GreenWeasel11]

I'm not convinced that the author of Second Timothy had his own writing in mind in 3:16.

[@choppedandspewed]

that is fanaticism big homie. single-minded zeal and a failure to reconcile with any other way. other religions and cultures exist and are deeply human. this is like a whole paragraph of fancy words when all youre saying "i'm right, others are wrong, because god." if christ don't wanna be unified with me and my homies, then i'll see u all in hell big chillin' with king virgil and my other unbaptized kings

[@spiritandflesh8477]

@@choppedandspewed My words are simple and direct. Christ didn't give exception for and melding or mixing of "religious" belief. He said " I am the way, the truth, and the life". That is a claim that demands a response. Either he was completely truthful or false. It isn't a matter of I am right, you are wrong or vice versa. It is a matter of, he laid out the truth claim, and you either believe it or not, but if you don't at least investigate it considering the picture of reality he painted, that responsibility and decision falls on you alone. God allows free choice and the eternal reality that comes with it. The hell you speak of is separation from God. Every good thing that has taken place in your life however mininscule is a gift, but where there is separation from God, there is separation from the gifts and mercies of God (hell). Baptized/unbaptized is inconsequential, faith in Christs' payment for your sin is the variable. Your a sinner, as I am, as everyone else is and sin and God can't live in the same venue. You can allow him to cleanse it from you or you can allow sin to make you its slave. Either way there is no neutral ground, you make a choice actively or passively.

[@choppedandspewed]

@@spiritandflesh8477 slave 2 da grave dawg

[@Wholly_Fool]

It depends, because C S Lewis says that "Christianity is paganism perfected" so you can actually get to Christ in a roundabout way. But yes, once you find Him, he belongs at the top.

[@cameronlee1486]

What is that noise

[@kulman4295]

wind

[@kreigalm7381]

Aaron. Ask yourself if you're a human being or human doing. Once you know that, you'll know there is Christ and then there is everything else...

[@Chuculainn9]

Sounds his guru changed him in ways he can’t explain, besides a lack of trust in what he called “god”, and his joy back then and the belief he could study the Bible even with people(it was a passion). Now it is just spiritualism and vague beliefs about meaning. Words mean nothing except what the listeners think it means? That is nonsensical. That was sorta sad. Whatever you believe it seems like that figure in his life made him just question. To no result besides ambiguity. Also, I’m a big fan. And the music is more than the men. God’s truth speaks through broken vessels no matter who it is. Much of which is powerful emotionally, and portions also have religious components. Stay strong. Aaron, believe, don’t doubt. Seek Christ. He is light. No one comes to the father except through Him. :)

[@spencer2220]

That's a bit condescending to call him a "broken vessel", but alright. I believe Aaron's main religious struggle is wondering which one, if any, is the right one. And that's a fairly valid point, the Bible, Torah and Quran all share a lot of similarities between each other. Who's to say that a Christian seeking God is any better than a Muslim, or a Jewish person? I personally find value in all of these religions, and I believe God will be able to see and appreciate our efforts to follow Him, no matter which side we choose. As long as we put in genuine effort, and try, I don't think there's a wrong way to go about it. I don't like people that try to say there's only one singular path to God, and that's through the Bible/Torah alone.

[@Titantitan001]

Christ is the King of kings. I agree with what you say man. I used to be just like this guy. Hope in these 7 years he has found God.

[@Titantitan001]

@@spencer2220 my Guy, hope you found Christ too.

[@jgilbert8432]

I think I found mewithoutYou when I was searching for great Christian bands that have the indie, post-punk/grunge, melodic, smashing pumpkin-ish sound I like. Think Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Maps" kind of melodies with lyrics that glorify God. Very hard to find. Im a little disappointed that he leans more Muslim than Christian. but my love for him and the band remains unscathed.

[@breandadavis3168]

You might like Half Alive. I'll just say my favorite song (precisely because of the lyrics) and if you like it, after that delve into their other stuff. Runaway is my favorite song by them. Still Alive is what got them popular. Subliminal is just a sweet and fun song. TrusT (as you can tell, with the capital T and all that, they're Christian) I havent heard yet but I read about it. Creature is really, really good, you might like that the most. Also try Arrested Developments song Tennessee. It's like 90s hip hop but it's an incredibly beautiful song.

[@gmiadlich9516]

the bad focus makes this horrible to watch, even though the content is great

[@326cher]

Aaron, Is Tracy your mother and Kenneth your father? I knew you when you were 2 and 1/2 if they are.

[@BonIvermectin]

Pretty sure their dad's name was Elliott Weiss

[@billjim334]

This dude is all over the place.

[@misterblueshoe]

He's on the spectrum so just respect that we're all different.

[@williamcole960]

I was so intent on figuring out what these guys are about, but now..

[@Luke_Radiosmash]

You can't be hypocritical if you don't believe in a transcendent truth. Because if it's just "your truth" your standards simply change with the mistakes you make. There was a time when I feel like Aaron had real passion and conviction. Seems like he has traded that in for the resigned brand of "humility" that so many artists have. To me, that's deeply sad.

[@ItsAlwaysRainingInWa]

Exactly how i feel about this. The way he talks its as if he said nothing at all. I know he means well, but it comes off kinda strange.

[@lelymijares9598]

He does not exist. Only you exist.

[@kathleenherrmann436]

Oh! 🙊 Lol. I'd lower the volume for the more adult lines 👍👍

[@hannahwinchester777]

God is NOT a religion...if we could agree on just that, people would see what the actual enemy is...

[@misterblueshoe]

I get you

[@uberworm]

Holy crap. I had to stop watching this because of the editing.

[@21innocentbystander]

It's weird. I love it.

[@alexmednick431]

gave up after 5 minutes. real shame you guys did such a bad job of filming such an incedible interview. like, if you're going to interview a musician at least use a microphone.

[@MadDogHoek23]

Wish he were Christian instead of Muslim so I could relate more but that’s just me.

[@williamcole960]

Nah idk, my background is Christian and I feel like there are a ton of Christian themes and imagery, just all the good parts haha.

[@CMHobbies]

He’s neither. He’s more of what I would call an Abrahamic syncretist or spiritualist.

[@suburbanTrick]

How stupid you wish someone else was different to fit into your life more....

[@concars1234]

Is he actually Muslim though? I don't get a sense of commitment toward the Christian or Muslim dogmas about God in his lyrics, just because you sing Allah doesn't make you a Muslim. He's Jewish at the base of it, that's the truth

[@cleverestx]

Don't alienate people because they don't share your identical beliefs. He's more of a Christian than most church goers I've known. Embrace differences and find common ground, or that's a more lonely and potentially harmful life otherwise. Jesus dined with "sinners". We can too.