Spiritbox "Circle with me" // Pastor Rob Reaction

[@brannik]

"This song was written in the studio as a last-minute addition, one of the many reasons we are so grateful to no longer be exclusively working remotely. It captures the spectrum of emotions I’ve been feeling lately about my music. From the anxiety I feel about messing up, to a confidence meant to protect me from self doubt," commented LaPlante.

[@ItsJeff_]

So he wasn’t far off by saying it was about her job. Nice! I wasn’t sure about that one lol

[@00B.]

the fact that it was a last-minute addition tho...

[@LateralusMorales]

Wow💚🙏

[@grx117]

Pastor Rob is a master lyric analyst. It's a real gift. I thoroughly enjoy every reaction I've ever seen from you!

[@roberthoughton7127]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[@tammiebailey9729]

Absolutely!!! I always come back to these to watch him nail it time and time again w so many songs. It’s a rare gift in my corner of the world

[@mattmcconnell5471]

Do a react on the song Broken Cross by Architects. It’s a few years old, but I feel like it would be right up your alley to react to it!

[@HourEleven]

Yes x1000

[@colbyscornerYT]

^^^

[@Rellings]

Yes please. Alpha Omega is another "religious" song by them. And the guitar melts.

[@adamcastillo3976]

Good suggestion

[@mosescandjent665]

Absolutely

[@TheGamingWard]

As an atheist, you lads are absolutely one of my favorite reaction channels. Your open-mindedness is so amazing. Love your content guys. Keep up the incredible work

[@mattprice443]

I hope you find the evidence you're looking for, to find God and objective truth.

[@Bluebloods7]

@@mattprice443 it's right there next to the Easter bunny, tooth fairy, boogeyman and all that voter fraud evidence. You just have to SEEK it.

[@mattprice443]

@@Bluebloods7 don't be mad! There's more evidence to God than what you believe

[@Bluebloods7]

@@mattprice443 seek help.

[@mattprice443]

@@Bluebloods7 I have! What do you believe in, that makes more sense?

[@anthonyrieman1809]

Thank you guys for not pausing the video lol, this song is a banger!

[@steventollefson5418]

Amen to that brother

[@markthedark595]

Spiritbox vocalist 'Courtney LaPlante' says of this song; "It captures the spectrum of emotions I’ve been feeling lately about my music. From the anxiety I feel about messing up, to a confidence meant to protect me from self doubt."

[@sbryan060]

I love knowing what the author meant by the song that way I don't have to misinterpret so thank you for the reply. Do you have any idea what the song "Holy Roller" means to her? On the one hand it appears she is taunting God on the other it seems she might mean to be denouncing the false "holy rollers" that claim Christianity yet use it to their own advantage to hate people. I wish I knew because I love the music and vocals but the lyrics are concerning since I am in fact, a Christian though I do not subscribe to an anti-love theology.

[@luxtobeyou]

@@sbryan060 Holy Roller was about hypocrisy in religion, specifically it was inspired by Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre, and how religious leaders can manipulate and lead their followers astray

[@sbryan060]

@@luxtobeyou Gotcha and thanks for the reply. Yeah evil people seem to find their way into whatever will give them power. Politics, religion, law enforcement, doctors, marriage, you name it. I think the more educated the people are (critical thinkers with good sound facts) the safer we are from being taken advantage of.

[@basedgonkdroid3821]

I believe in an interview she did, she states that the song is about how some religious people manipulate others and how its wrong or something, which I agree its wrong to manipulate others especially with faith. hope this helps ❤@@sbryan060

[@SRabbit2013]

The cool thing (well, one of the many) about Spiritbox is that a “spirit box” is a ghost hunting device that picks up frequencies that can’t be heard without it, and has a lot of static you have to sift through to pick out the message. So maybe, that’s why their lyrics are complex enough you can get so many interpretations out of them. You have to work for it, like you do with a spirit box.

[@Quest4Horror]

That is exactly the interpretation that I make of the band and their lyrics.

[@Brndn350Z]

Speaker to dead

[@IslandBirdKing]

It amazes me that in most of the songs they react to, Rob seems to get, at the very least, the gist of the meanings of the songs- like the actual meaning. Takes another level of comprehension and understanding.

[@damienbradshaw]

He has a really great talent for discernment which is awesome.

[@LaguBudakKuching]

right??

[@crhu319]

Every religious leader should watch some of these. Rob is almost Buddhist in his ability to discern and respond mindfully.

[@mr.keiser4259]

Dude reading and understanding/interpreting the bible is not easy. I used to be religious and reading the bible was an amazing way to understand language and interpret/try to decipher what certain texts possibly mean.

[@elijahmaddux8525]

I have been a massive fan of both Spiritbox and you guys since the beginning! After listening to this song on the way to work, I immediately thought you should make a video on it! And less than 12hrs here it is! Keep up the great work, guys.

[@kevonking8157]

Also the purity of their analysis is gold

[@F13thvoorhees]

These guys are poised to be one of the biggest bands of this decade. They have a fairly small following now, but their growing quickly and almost everyone who hears them loves what they've got. Great musicians. Nice review guys. 👍

[@athmaid]

The following is growing super quick though. I've been a fan since they released the Mara Effect videos. Crazy how the view counts have gone up exponentially

[@raymondharnack4160]

They’re super overrated dude, just another cookie cutter djent band with a female vocalist they use samples to compensate for their mediocrity.

[@johnathanedwards9054]

@@raymondharnack4160 Imagine Dragons exists, and Slipknot lead singer Corey Talks has called them the most overrated band he has ever heard beating out his original pick Nickelback

[@raymondharnack4160]

@@johnathanedwards9054 so we both agree that the world has plenty of room for shitty bands including spirit box. I’m glad we could find some common ground.

[@athmaid]

@@raymondharnack4160 why are you so passionately hating on them

[@weiyunchi]

D-jent. Love it. Found you guys last night and as a metalhead Christian living abroad been enjoying your viewpoints and discussions. Looking forward to more!

[@getup_JohnnyBoy]

Love your videos! May our King continue to bless you both!

[@AustinMsu24]

“I’ve been saying d-Jent this whole time and you didn’t correct me?” Dad move😂

[@justinwyatt9048]

There is a consistent theme in Courney's writing, of the screamed parts of her songs being the real "you" but also the "insane you". Imagine holding the flame at the altar is being in control of your actions, being the "god" or master of your internal thoughts, but you are medicated and your thoughts and emotions are suppressed - you cant be you. There is a sickly sweetness (the other voices in your head, the therapists etc now more powerful than your own voice, saying good things, repressing the inner you) they are the vultures, the birds of prey that circle the control of self. The real you, the depressed you, cant stand it, wants to feel the pain, to be insane, so you imitate the other voices, so they let you off your medication. You take control and "be depressed and insane" and go through the cycle/circle of being put back on medication and through therapy. Obviously this is only an interpretation and things could for example be backwards (the vultures are the bad thoughts and you just want to have the real happy you come out), but that wouldn't match the themes and writing of previous songs. Have a listen to bleach bath - its pretty clear that the screaming part is the inner demon/insanity and in the pop/quieter part she keeps asking "why do you act so strange".

[@jamesbradford870]

🔥🔥🔥 love this interpretation, and can definitely relate.

[@matthewlee2424]

Wow. Reading this a year after you posted it and that really struck a chord. Amazing thought process dude.

[@rachelsmithkey9191]

Great dissection of the lyrics. They’re hard to try to make something of and I think you guys were pretty spot on! She said it’s about the pressures of her music and what music she wants to release and make.

[@DarklightNamari]

It actually reminds me of Evanescence's music video (and song) for *Going Under*. It seems to give off a similar idea and Evanescence' video itself presents Amy as if she is being forced into a mold or being told what to do and think. I believe Courtney is expressing the same kind of feeling in this song too, about pressure.

[@Rusted_Empire]

I held the power of a dying sun may be a reference to their song Constance

[@crhu319]

Which is so beautiful and loving, it's just a must-see.

[@tomasstraka5244]

"weight if the dying sun" isnt even in the lyrics... either weight of the martyr, or power of the dying sun

[@Rusted_Empire]

@@tomasstraka5244 I got two lines mixed up... no biggy

[@rickmonpridmore1564]

Caught that too, brother!

[@SingerslashNovelist]

I absolutely LOVE Spiritbox! 😍😍

[@bizznotch101]

I love your in depth analysis of lyrics and seeing how it compares to similar things in religion (though I am not religious myself). Anytime I watch you guys react to something it def gives me something to either learn or think about. Keep it up!

[@RustyGonzo]

Hahaha, oh man, your "djent" revelation was hilarious to watch. Great reaction! I keep coming back to your channel every so often, but I always sub for Spiritbox. Good shit!

[@haven5144]

Great breakdown. Think you guys are on the right track with this one. In interviews she's talked a lot about expectations and pressures of her and the band. Seems like this might be about that battle and to stay true to herself.

[@sooty0172]

Courtney has also said this song is a loveletter to Metalcore (at least musically), so makes sense for the lyrics to cover the expectations/pressure that come with part of being with the genre etc.

[@daniellkemp]

Rob, been watching your videos for a long time. While we have differing views religiously, it's always fascinating to hear your analysis and your dissection of lyrics. All the best man, I'll be here for the next one!

[@tentimestoday1704]

Laying this comment down before knowing this song. This community has such good taste in music, so I am definitely excited to react at the same time.

[@timthebarber]

respect, pastor rob. love your perspectives. education and contemplation are keys to happiness.

[@ASTRA1564]

God I love this band! Her voice at 5:19 is amazing!

[@letliveandlearn]

So I kinda read the lyrics as an allusion to the music industry. “The flame” being Courtney’s love and passion to perform and create the music SHE wants to do. The “birds of prey” and “vultures” could be the either the naysayers who think a woman can’t succeed in metal music and/or the higher ups in the industry who want to buy and promote the band as a novelty. Then her allusions to ascending and becoming a god are a reflection of their creativity and individuality to do their own thing without letting anyone control them. I also enjoy the analysis of an internal struggle, especially with so many bands and artists having such an anxiety on how to adapt to life without touring, etc right now!

[@Glaedr11]

Circle with me is probably referring to the "vultures" trying to get her to become vultures like them

[@Ch33seyPenguin]

I heard this the other day and thought about you guys instantly! I was raised in church for about 13 years but I've been an atheist for about the last 10. I thoroughly enjoy hearing your discussions about songs/bands that I enjoy fairly regularly.

[@Glaedr11]

I like getting to know bands i like enough to know if religious language and tones are coming from a place of pride and blasphemy or if the lyrics are indicating something else. I've listened to a lot of interviews from the members of the band and paid attention to some of their ventures outside of their bands specifically and I get the feeling that this song is probably just speaking of some struggle they're having

[@Headlessthirst]

I have heard that the song Constance was about her grandmother, so maybe when she says she held the power of a dying sun she was referring to the spirit of her grandmother leaving the plane of earth

[@clayware_]

Please do “Termination” by The Devil Wears Prada next!

[@thelastdaybreathinginetern1385]

Yes!!!!!! Please let's get a 1,000 more yes's!!

[@friendlyfire6168]

I'm 42 and have a 12 year old going on 13...... I really dig that you and your boy follow this music and collaborate on your opinions....I've enjoyed METAL since his age, but bgg I havent listened to the most positive stuff... I have recently been getting into christian metal which in the past has been difficult to find the hardcore, gut grinding, face smashing, moshpit calling , metal I enjoy.... then I heard DEMON HUNTER! They have led me to a pretty good genre of Christian metal I really dig....DEMON HUNTER hands down so far is the guts that I really enjoy.... anyway guys, love your channel, and thank for the content. You are an inspiration through Yeshua for me to be a positive Dad to my son and a general better leader In my home ...

[@kev.aka-cool]

Song is about the power of ones own mind & taking full control. 🎸⚡⚡⚡

[@GregMcClellan]

This song has references of a witch burning back in the day. "Circle with me" (People circled around watching burn at the stake) "I climb the altar and I claim my place as God" (Being place on the stake) "Vultures circling the flames" (Waiting for left overs ...lol)

[@myworldonvideo8721]

pretty sure you're the only one that got this right

[@kevonking8157]

I definitely like her duality

[@wolfhawk1999]

Their "Rule of Nines" live vocal one take is a cool video :)

[@iscariot90]

Oh yes, good pick, fellas. This song is phenomenal, I'm super excited to see this band go places. Can't wait to see them live!

[@starkiller6856]

“I thought you saying it like that as a joke!” Really gave me good laugh keep up the great work!

[@roberthoughton7127]

🤣

[@MrMoumouris]

Gojira Born for one thing next please

[@jeremyfields2639]

I, a godless heathen really appreciate you interpreting these lyrics with thought and effort.

[@Jeff-vn1xz]

I've been thinking "feel the weight of a martyr, it could all be yours if you echo birds of prey", "circle with me", and "birds of prey never falter" is about finding inner strength and overcoming. I think you're on the right track with the flame representing her music career: in a recent interview she talks about struggling as a female vocalist, and how she wasn't taken seriously.

[@TsMHicks]

Rob, you guys need to check out any song on the Underoath Album "Define the Great Line" or "They're Only Chasing Safety" . This band in their newest album talk about their struggles making these 2 albums n the pressures of being labeled a "Christian Band" . And you can hear it in each song, the tensions

[@tylersummers2663]

DTGL was definitely a shift in their faith, but I feel like listening to "Lost In The Sound Of Separation" you can truly see them losing their faith. "Disambiguation" was them finally stepping out of that curtain, then "Erase Me" was almost like their apology/explanation. I'm excited to hear the direction of their coming one

[@brendonlake1522]

Underoath, DTGL blew my mind when I first heard it it was such a massive leap for them and a super influential album not just in Christian Metalcore and so unique.

[@michaelayalajr.6628]

@@brendonlake1522 I couldn’t get into Erase Me, but I loved every album before that. Erase Me just felt very forced. Didn’t have a lot of emotion or soul to it like their previous albums. Underoath never needed to apologize for anything or explain anything. I think it’s sad they felt they needed to.

[@HK_8]

I saw that she said this song was her “Love Letter to Metalcore”.

[@vassilli1337]

gojira a sight to behold please love the channel keep it up guys

[@Mrnumber]

Wow, you nailed the main message in the song I'd say, your discussions are always amazing, keep up the good work! God bless!

[@flawedlife5013]

I literally screamed when I saw yall are reacting to this. Such a dynamic song!!!

[@steventollefson5418]

My first thought was it has an 80s sound. I think it was just her voice is reminiscent of Annie Lennox. I found this band this weekend and haven't been able to stop listening. Very talented and unique!

[@dannymurphy6178]

We need more reactions to Death Come Near Me by Draconian. Greatest Gothic Rock song of all time. Near 16 minutes of pure listening pleasure. You won't be disappointed.

[@Roguenjosh]

hey first time finding you guys, loved the thorough breakdown of the lyrics at the end, great video!

[@davidwolfe6773]

I 100% agree with the nostalgic vibe because I picked up on that too.

[@jacobtridef48]

It’s crazy how much the pastor’s son, reminds me of my friend stevo. Legit look the exact same.

[@jbooks7055]

Oh man the “this could all be yours” discussion made so much more sense when compared to the biblical sense of promising something if they changed something in return

[@batsinthebelfry907]

OOOOH SNAP!!!!!! She is in her blue hair phase, everyone watch out.

[@SingerslashNovelist]

You should check out the band In This Moment. The songs The Purge; Sanctify Me; The In-Between; Big Bad Wolf.. Maria Brink is amazing. She is spiritual. Not religious. She is such a beautiful soul. Met her once. Absolutely love her. The whole band is amazing! Her fry screams are phenomenal! Her voice is angelic.

[@MissFroggyoggy]

Good analysis of the lyrics! Seems like you're on point with the meaning of the song. I got the same thing that it was about them feeling pressure in the music industry.

[@Eric_GMusic]

Young guy look like the pastor he is so serious the pastor is enjoying more the song! 🤣great reaction!

[@julianbaldovino9087]

I love the videos, excelent channel. Greetings from Mar del plata city, Argentina.

[@heelgrasper]

You might find the german band Lord of the Lost interesting. They have a new double album comming out in July named "Judas". The theme is Judas Iscaroth and seems quite facinating. They relased the song "Priest" from the album not long ago and I think you would find plenty to talk about with both the music/vocals and lyrics.

[@zanderlander91]

Love that a pastor is reacting to metal 🤙 you’re rad

[@josephrosenbaum3343]

even though i'm not a Christian myself i would unironically go to this guys church

[@steventollefson5418]

Didn't expect to see Juicy here. What's your favorite Subway sandwich?

[@brothergas1260]

Jussie please consider heavily knowing and trusting in God. He has and does reveal himself Open up to him he loves you. I will pray for you.

[@mattycakes0231]

@@steventollefson5418 THIS IS MAGA COUNTRY (in downtown chicago)

[@mattycakes0231]

THIS IS MAGA COUNTRY

[@jayzisa]

Awesome like always guys! My favorite parts are the breakdowns of the lyrics at the end. Thats why I want to here your words on Whitechapel when a demon defiles a witch please.

[@seiryuu8883]

Always love y’all’s perspective on heavy music 👏

[@jonathansmith2788]

This song is a banger🔥🔥

[@decyferit]

Hi 👋 Rob. I really enjoy your channel and to hear a believer respond to any music and not judge the bands that are not christian is welcoming. Keep on keeping on. Tony from Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦. Looking forward to the next reaction.

[@roberthoughton7127]

Thank you tony!

[@brandonpirie5586]

Always excited to watch your videos! I would like to hear your reaction to When a Demon Defiles a Witch by Whitechapel

[@dannytoews9013]

At 1st I thought this song was from the perspective of Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness, "this could all be yours" and his desire to overthrow God and claim heaven. But now after watching your video it looks to me more like desire and opportunity. The flame rep reasoning opportunity.

[@d.johnson3164]

I think this song is about a seance, and a sacrifice. This could all be yours for a price

[@steveo7116]

I believe you nailed it, Pastor Rob

[@jamiecompeau4076]

Blessed Be is another awesome song by Spiritbox.

[@timmykephart]

I wish I knew of more people that enjoy discecting things from their own perspective

[@leonvarin8979]

Spiritbox just gained a new fan. 😊

[@Kjertinge]

What makes Spiritbox extra special to me is.. Courtney and the guitarist are husband and wife. Makes this passion project so much cooler that they’re conquering the music word together

[@allanward762]

The theme song for the white house press secretary. That had me cracking up. And spot on

[@fortheSavior]

Good call on the Abasi! Courtney had said on a Twitter AMA that they used the Abasi for the video specifically (though it was recorded on a 7 string).

[@greybest6949]

Love the content!! Huge fan of the channel and what y’all do!! Keep at it, I love hearing y’all’s perspective, especially as a fellow Christian!! Just thought of an idea for y’all: you should put the song lyrics in the video description so people who don’t have KZbin premium or aren’t on a laptop/PC can read the lyrics along with listening to the song. Again, love what you guys stand for and what you guys do!

[@adrianstachowski9422]

Hello there. There is another song from Spiritbox - Constance. It's again different stuff. So emotional, just tears the soul to pieces

[@unix6805]

Courtney is lovely, beautiful voice and a fantastic song.

[@Headlessthirst]

Driving in my car, I literally saw a shooting star when you said, I cannot imagine what the flame means. Synchronicity man

[@SerenaBrooks2686]

Love spirit box!

[@Salz1usTox1cus]

Ladys and Djentlemen xD. I love Spiritbox, i was on this song's premiere, normaly i don't like clean vocals that much, but on Spiritbox i really love it.

[@kristian1490]

lifeblood - Brand of Sacrifice !

[@bachsoutdooradventures]

Constance by Spiritbox.. definitely their deepest and heaviest (in a completely different way) song. Would love to see that reaction. I had my first personal reaction to it yesterday. And it hit me hard

[@boinarrow4175]

Pastor rob getting down with the DuhJent haha what a great band to be experiencing, keep it up guys!

[@italojordan48]

Please do Termination by The Devil Wears Prada, God bless you guys

[@zekegrey5655]

Personally, I'm surprised you guys haven't reacted to Tallah yet. If you get the opportunity, please react to Overconfidence or L.E.D. Thank you

[@3firstnames903]

Sounds like she’s feeling pressure to continuously outdo herself and her past works. Circle with me is in reference to the vultures praying on her and waiting for her to fail.

[@thricerighthere]

That's a really good analysis of the song. Keep it up

[@nickthompson8014]

Circle Back....that's hilarious

[@curiouscollectiblesAU]

The “claim my place as God” also can be derived from Isaiah 14:12- where Satan says, “I will... I will... I will.. ascend to the most high”.

[@thebuckethatguy]

Yeah it sounds like to me that the flame is her ego and the vultures are the elitists, bullies, haters telling her she will feel the pain of failure and like I said the flame is her ego and she’s trying so desperately to hold onto it at least that’s what I’m getting from reading the lyrics let me know Pastor Rob and Gauge What you think of my observation of the lyrics

[@garryfrank5741]

Broken bell by great van fleet, such an amazing song

[@XisoLate]

Song was about their rise to fame and having to be great or else the vultures (birds of prey) come for when you falter to eat you alive. Sickly sweetness is the success that comes when everyone loves you on the way up the ladder of fame. Once you've "made it," you feel like a deity and now they aren't vultures but followers.

[@elijahmaddux8525]

The breakdown reminded me a lot of Architects.

[@elijahmaddux8525]

@Amethyzt They are new to me, I’ll definitely check them out! Thanks for the reco.

[@ShivaX51]

"It was way different than Holy Roller." That's the thing, Holy Roller is very much the outlier, which is why so many people were sad it was the first reaction. It's the exception, not the rule (as is Constance in some ways). This is far more of an example of what Spiritbox is like.

[@ShivaX51]

My impression is along the lines of: The Altar : the proverbial stage of a performer (or literal in the case of bands) The Birds of Prey/Vultures: internal doubts or naysayers/business interests/etc The Flame: the music So "I climb the altar and I claim my place as God" = "I take the stage and you worship me" sort of worship of celebrities if that makes sense. That's just my spitballing, but I feel like it's in the right neighborhood. Which is where you seemed to end up as well.

[@benchambers1173]

Suggestion: Maybe the lyrics, "I held the power of a dying sun I climb the altar and claim my place as God" Is a reference to when she joined the band iwrestledabearonce. She replaced the original singer when she quit the band. But the band was loosing it's fame at that point. "I held the power of a dying sun". The vultures circling saying "this could all be yours" trying to convince her to join the band and be famous. Are those record label executives trying to convince her to join the band?

[@emmanuelcastillo7978]

We need the reaction of Hospital for Souls, Crooked Young, The house of wolves

[@ganondorfchampin]

The song is filled with ritualistic imagery, and I think “circle with me” is a part of that - it invokes the image of a ritual circle. I think the one other thing about the song that I haven’t seen other people talk is how “circle with me” is an invitation. An invitation for what, I don’t know - maybe she doesn’t want to be left alone with her thoughts?

[@oliverlogiudice6787]

I think this song is about Abraham's covenant with God in Genesis 15. There's a ton of images in both this song and in this passage. There are birds of prey/vultures in the passage that go after Abram's offering. When the sun goes down, God passes between the split carcasses of Abram's sacrifice. That's why we see fire, sun, and hot and cold references in the song? The altar reference could be from any or all of the 4 altars Abraham built in his life (Gen. 12,13, & 22). In many ways, Abraham is a deeply flawed and timid guy and I think this song may be highlighting that idea?

[@roberthoughton7127]

Wow. That didn’t even cross my mind. Very interesting.

[@crhu319]

Good analogy. Song is about pressure. "It could all be yours if you echo birds of prey" could well be a reference to sacrifice, since they took place up high. In some cultures eg Buddhist sky funeral, the vultures carry away flesh from an very honored dead person, so it takes flight faster. And who had tougher choices to make about sacrifice than Abraham? Home, Sarai, Isaac... So the spiritual dilemma is deep here, somehow.

[@SqueakGod]

you guys should check out the band Iwrestledabearonce song cats pajamas it's where Courtney got her start an they sound similar