Are You With Me

"Are You With Me" by Lost Frequencies is fundamentally a song about escapism and the yearning for a shared, perfect moment of romantic freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an idyllic getaway, specifically mentioning dancing by the water under a 'Mexican sky,' drinking margaritas, and listening to a Mariachi band. These elements are not just literal desires but metaphors for a carefree existence, away from the demands and routines of everyday life. The central question, "Are you with me?", transcends a simple invitation. It's a deeper plea for connection and assurance, asking a partner if they share the same dream and are willing to embark on this emotional and physical journey together. It's about finding someone who is on the same wavelength, ready to embrace spontaneity and create a memorable, almost cinematic, experience of love and celebration. The song captures a universal desire to break free and live in a moment of pure bliss with a loved one.

The song unfolds as an invitation to a spontaneous and romantic getaway, a departure from the mundane into a world of simple, sensory pleasures. The narrator expresses a deep yearning for an idyllic experience, one that is shared with a significant other. The core of this desire is to dance by the water under the vast expanse of a Mexican sky, a powerful image that suggests freedom, nature, and a touch of the exotic. This is not just about dancing; it's about a profound connection with both the environment and their partner.

To enhance this perfect moment, the narrator imagines sipping margaritas, illuminated by the soft glow of a string of blue lights. This detail adds a layer of intimate and festive ambiance to the scene. The experience is further enriched by the imagined sound of a Mariachi band playing at the stroke of midnight. This specific cultural reference roots the fantasy in a vibrant, celebratory tradition, suggesting a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that is both timeless and deeply personal.

Throughout this articulation of desire, a simple yet profound question is repeatedly posed: "Are you with me?". This recurring query is the emotional anchor of the song. It's more than a simple logistical question; it is a plea for emotional and spiritual alignment. The narrator is not just asking for physical presence but for a shared mindset, a mutual willingness to abandon routine and embrace the adventure together. The repetition of this question underscores the importance of this shared journey and the deep need for confirmation that their partner desires the same escapist fantasy. It's a call for unity and a shared dream, making the envisioned paradise complete only if experienced together.

"Are You With Me" by Lost Frequencies, released on October 27, 2014, is a remix of a song originally written and recorded by American country artist Easton Corbin. The original country version was written by Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, and Shane McAnally on May 4, 2011, and first appeared on Corbin's 2012 album, All Over the Road. The songwriters' initial idea was to create a song that would work well in a live concert setting, with the title line meant to engage the audience.

The Belgian DJ and producer Felix De Laet, known as Lost Frequencies, discovered Corbin's song on SoundCloud. He was searching for a track with a distinct guitar vibe and a driving bassline to remix. He created his version in his bedroom, but his laptop was stolen, forcing him to reproduce the entire track again for the official release. He sped up the original track and transformed it into a tropical house and deep house anthem. The remix was released by Armada Music's sub-label, The Bearded Man. The new version became a global phenomenon, catapulting Lost Frequencies to international stardom. It reached #1 in 18 countries, making him the first Belgian artist to top the UK charts. Easton Corbin himself was surprised to hear his country song transformed into an EDM hit and praised the remix for showing how great music can transcend genres.

The lyrics of "Are You With Me" employ vivid imagery that functions as symbolism for escape, freedom, and romantic ideals.

• The 'Mexican Sky': This is the central and most powerful symbol in the song. It represents an exotic paradise, a place far removed from the ordinary and mundane. It's a metaphor for a perfect, idyllic setting where romance and freedom can flourish without the constraints of daily life.
• Dancing by the Water: This act symbolizes a carefree and uninhibited connection with nature and a partner. Water often represents purity, emotion, and the flow of life, so dancing beside it suggests a moment of pure, fluid joy and emotional release.
• 'String of Blue Lights' and 'Margaritas': These elements contribute to the celebratory and festive atmosphere of the imagined scene. Margaritas, a well-known Mexican cocktail, enhance the theme of escapism and indulgence. The blue lights add a touch of magic and intimacy to the midnight setting.
• Mariachi Band at Midnight: This symbolizes a peak moment of authentic celebration and cultural richness. Midnight is often a time of transition and magic in storytelling, and the presence of a Mariachi band grounds the fantasy in a vibrant, joyful tradition, representing the soundtrack to their perfect moment.

The predominant emotional tone of "Are You With Me" is one of hopeful and blissful escapism. It creates a warm, sun-drenched atmosphere that is both calming and uplifting. This feeling is generated through the combination of several key elements. The lyrics express a clear desire for a romantic and carefree adventure, which evokes feelings of longing and anticipation.

Musically, the song's emotional landscape is shaped by its tropical house production. The laid-back tempo (around 121 BPM), the gentle acoustic guitar riff, and the steady, unobtrusive beat create a relaxed and feel-good vibe. Easton Corbin's vocals, slightly pitched up, carry a sense of earnest yearning. The overall atmosphere is consistently positive and dreamy, with no significant shifts in emotion. It's designed to transport the listener to a happier, more idyllic place, making it a perfect soundtrack for summer, relaxation, and dreaming of a perfect getaway.

"Are You With Me" had a massive cultural impact, catapulting the then-unknown Belgian producer Lost Frequencies to global stardom. Released in 2014, the track became a defining song of the tropical house genre that dominated airwaves and festivals in the mid-2010s. Its success was monumental, reaching number one in 18 countries, including Australia, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This achievement made Lost Frequencies the first Belgian artist to have a #1 hit in the UK. In March 2024, the song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, a milestone achieved by only a small fraction of tracks, cementing its status as a timeless electronic classic.

The song's fusion of country and dance music was a significant crossover success, demonstrating that genre boundaries could be successfully blurred. Its popularity led to numerous other remixes and became a staple in DJ sets worldwide. The track's success paved the way for a long and successful career for Lost Frequencies, who has since released several other multi-platinum hits. The song also brought renewed attention to the original country artist, Easton Corbin.

The rhythmic and rhyming structure of "Are You With Me" is straightforward and effective, contributing significantly to its catchy and hypnotic quality.

Rhyme Scheme:
The song's lyrical structure primarily follows a simple AABB rhyme scheme in its main verse section, which is a common and accessible pattern in popular music. For example:

"I wanna dance by water 'neath the Mexican sky (A)
Drink some Margaritas by a string of blue lights (B, slant rhyme with sky)
Listen to the Mariachi play at midnight (B)
Are you with me, are you with me?"

The rhyme between "sky," "lights," and "midnight" is technically a slant rhyme, which adds a subtle lyrical sophistication while maintaining a sing-along quality.

Rhythm and Tempo:
Lost Frequencies' version has a tempo of approximately 121 beats per minute (BPM), placing it firmly in the relaxed end of the house music spectrum. The rhythm is built on a standard 4/4 time signature, typical for dance music, providing a steady and danceable pulse. The interplay between the syncopated acoustic guitar riff and the straight-ahead electronic beat creates a laid-back, groovy feel. The vocal melody follows a simple, repetitive rhythm that aligns with the lyrical phrases, making it easy for listeners to grasp and sing along to. This rhythmic simplicity is key to the song's widespread appeal, creating a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere.

Lost Frequencies' version of "Are You With Me" masterfully blends musical and lyrical techniques to create its signature sound.

Musical Techniques:

• Sampling and Remixing: The core of the song's creation involves sampling the vocals and guitar elements from Easton Corbin's country original and repurposing them within a new genre.
• Genre Blending: The track is a quintessential example of tropical house, merging deep house beats with lighter, melodic elements. The acoustic guitar riff, lifted from a country song, is placed over a 4/4 electronic beat, creating a unique fusion.
• Instrumentation: It features a prominent, melodic acoustic guitar riff, a steady, laid-back bassline, and a simple drum pattern. The production adds layers of atmospheric synths and a distinctive high-pitched melodic hook in the chorus, which enhances its catchy, summery feel.
• Vocal Processing: Easton Corbin's vocals are sped up slightly to match the higher tempo, which also raises the pitch, giving them a more youthful and yearning quality that fits the electronic context.

Literary Techniques:

• Rhetorical Question: The titular line, "Are you with me?", functions as a constant rhetorical question. It's not just seeking an answer but expressing a deep desire for companionship and shared experience.
• Imagery: The lyrics are built on strong sensory imagery ("dance by water", "'neath the Mexican sky", "string of blue lights") to create a powerful and appealing fantasy for the listener.
• Repetition: The chorus and the central question are repeated throughout, acting as a mantra of escapism and a hook that makes the song incredibly memorable.

What is the song 'Are You With Me' by Lost Frequencies about?

The song is about a deep desire for romantic escapism. The lyrics describe a fantasy of dancing under the Mexican sky, drinking margaritas, and listening to mariachi music with a loved one, repeatedly asking 'Are you with me?' to seek a shared dream of freedom and connection.

Is 'Are You With Me' by Lost Frequencies a cover or a remix?

It is a remix. The song uses the vocals and melody from a country song of the same name by American singer Easton Corbin, which was released in 2012. Lost Frequencies sped up the track and built a new tropical house arrangement around the original elements.

Who wrote the original 'Are You With Me' song?

The original song was written by country songwriters Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, and Shane McAnally. They wrote it on May 4, 2011, and it was first recorded by Easton Corbin.

When was Lost Frequencies' 'Are You With Me' released?

The Lost Frequencies version of 'Are You With Me' was released on October 27, 2014. It became a massive international hit, launching his career.

What genre of music is 'Are You With Me' by Lost Frequencies?

The song is primarily categorized as Tropical House and Deep House. It blends elements of electronic dance music with the acoustic guitar and vocals from a country song.

How did 'Are You With Me' perform on the charts?

The song was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in 18 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany. It made Lost Frequencies the first Belgian artist to top the UK Singles Chart.

What does the 'Mexican sky' in the lyrics symbolize?

The 'Mexican sky' is a metaphor for an ideal, exotic paradise. It represents a complete escape from everyday life to a place of freedom, romance, and carefree celebration.