Being As An Ocean is an American hardcore band that is known for its sincere, Christian-based lyrics that aim to bring wisdom, knowledge and hope to their listeners and the broader community.
The use of the spoken word and screaming vocals with melodic rhythms and pounding drumbeats make this band truly unique. Poetry has never been this hardcore and emotional all at the same time. This may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but you have to appreciate the love and realness of the music. The band consists of Joel Quartuccio – lead vocals, Tyler Ross – guitar, Ralph Sica – bass, Michael McGough – guitar, clean vocals and Jesse Shelley – drums.
5. Ain’t Nobody Perfect
‘Unforgiveness is a cell I’ve made for myself, things can’t be said before farewell,’ is how this song from their third self-titled album starts out. The song has a number of fantastic themes focusing on forgiveness even when one has faced a number of injustices. In this case, lead vocalist, Joel Quartuccio, recounts the story of his personal friend, Richie, who forgave his father for years of abuse. This is a fantastically written song both musically and lyrically. Forgiveness truly opens the door to change. There is also a great bass and drum part where Sica and Shelley combine to magical effect.  The following lyrics truly hit home hard: ‘Oh my son, for what I’ve done, I’m sorry. Tears of joy and pain stream down their face. Forgiveness opens the door to change.’

4. We Drag the Dead on Leashes
‘Forgive the things that you hate in yourself So that you might be grace to someone else. And in the end, find that it’s you who has been freed.’ This is just one of the awe-inspiring lyrics on this song that capture essential elements of life and relationships. ‘Regret and shame leaking through every expression. Unable to forgive ourselves for things we could have stopped from happening,’ is another gem of a lyric that expresses the need to forgive oneself and rather be hope to someone else.

3. The Loneliness Won’t Be the Death of Me
The guitar intro is what makes this the fantastic song that it is. The amazing lyrics then top the guitar, which only sweetens the deal. Mainly, the song deals with frustration and loneliness; the lead singer feels that he tries his hardest to build relationships and spread love, but to no avail. The song also focuses on depression and its effects.
The lyrics, ‘I’ve become lost and can’t seem to be found. Contorted, racked with pain. I know should feel free, yet I continue to sing this sad refrain. I can’t sleep and food has lost its taste. God, I’m so sick of this place,’ sums this up. The song ends on a positive note, though, where the touch of a friend and companionship bring warmth and comfort: ‘Then I’m touched. By the hands of a brother. And like a rush, Passing through my exterior, I hear my name, A hush, A son, loved by a Father, I’ve been made alive again.’

2. Dear G-d
The introduction of this song, with the clean guitar and Quartuccio’s spoken and screamed word, brings this song right to the attention of the listener. The song flows brilliantly with the melodic guitar picking and vocals bouncing off from each other before the drums and bass give added stability to the song.
The part where Quartuccio screams ‘I’m trying my best to be a better man,’ is one of the best parts of the song, which is followed by McGough’s clean vocals that repeat the main vocals. The song ends with a beautiful spoken word where Quartuccio says, ‘I will scream grace till my face is blue.’ That is all you need to understand the heart of this band.

1. Mediocre Shakespeare
Grace and the continual battle between good evil and happiness and melancholy are what drives this song. The effects of doubt and dread can have a devastating impact on human nature.
The song also uses clever wordplay where life is seen as a stage and we as people direct our own lives into a direction that we choose. We can choose to be positive and free. The lyrics, ‘I refuse to let myself be bound. I won’t adhere to mental slavery even while your torments abound. Depart from me!’ are fantastic lyrics that will inspire. The use of clean vocals in the chorus also gives a memorable melody compared to the harder hitting verses.