There’s a moment in everyone’s life when words fail, when the world kicks harder than you thought possible—and all you want to do is punch a hole through the wall. For Nate Parrish, that moment became “That’s Just Life,” a punk anthem born out of raw frustration, honest loss, and the relentless, everyday struggle of being human.
When Punk Rock Gets Honest
Nate Parrish isn’t just another face on the punk scene. A seasoned guitarist with roots in Worth Dying For and Kutless, Parrish has carved out a reputation for unfiltered, deeply personal songwriting. His latest single, “That’s Just Life,” produced by Disciple’s Josiah Prince, is a testament to his refusal to sugarcoat the truth. Instead, he leans into the pain and confusion, voicing what so many are afraid to admit: sometimes, life just hurts, and that’s all there is to it (Jesus Freak Hideout).
Parrish explained, “This song came out of sheer frustration. I’ve experienced tremendous loss over the last couple of years. The phrase ‘that’s just life’ kept following me around, and I made peace with the hardships. It’s nothing new—it’s normal—and I don’t have to coat the pain with platitudes like ‘it’s all for the good.’ Sometimes, bad things just happen. That doesn’t mean we lose hope, or that God isn’t real. ‘That’s Just Life’ is basically the sonic equivalent of punching a hole in the wall.”
A Soundtrack for the Struggle
The raw, punk-driven soundscape crafted by Parrish and Prince is the perfect backdrop for a song about catharsis. Parrish and Prince swapped ideas back and forth, determined to create something that would resonate on the worst days. One of the production’s key elements is the shift in key near the end—a choice Parrish questioned, only to have Prince encourage him to embrace the bold move. The result is a track that builds to an emotional climax, mixed by Darren King and Sam Moses, and cements Parrish’s signature sound (NewReleaseToday).
Setting the Stage for “Make Me a Mountain”
“That’s Just Life” is more than just a single—it’s a preview of Parrish’s forthcoming album, “Make Me a Mountain.” Following “Soul Surgery” (2022) and “I’m A Wreck” (2020), this third solo record digs even deeper into the challenges of faith, loss, and resilience. The theme is clear: facing down mountains that seem immovable, and discovering that even the toughest obstacles can’t shake true hope (Heavens Metal Magazine).
Parrish elaborates, “The theme of the album is mountains, especially their unmovable nature—but also the power of God. This song is a kind of fist raised to the sky, but it’s not separated from faith. It stands strong, like a mountain.”
Punk Rock Without Boundaries
If you expect Parrish’s music to fit neatly into the punk box, think again. He’s not afraid to experiment, whether that means adding a vocoder or a string section. “This album is special to me because it’s deeply personal, raw, and honest. Sometimes, life is just bad—no explanations, no dilution, no comforting Christian bumper stickers. It’s just life. I think this album also departs from traditional ideas about what punk should sound like. If I want to use a vocoder, I will. If I want to use strings, I will. I just want to make music that authentically expresses me and speaks about things that matter” (Jesus Freak Hideout).
Uncompromising Honesty
Parrish’s approach to punk has only grown broader, but his attitude remains the same: unflinching honesty and a drive for justice. “I’m especially motivated by justice, or more accurately, the lack of it. I have a lot to write about on that topic,” he admits. In recent interviews, he’s been candid about his disillusionment with a lack of accountability in church leadership and the commercialization and politicization of faith.
This willingness to confront uncomfortable truths is what makes Parrish’s music resonate so deeply. He’s not afraid to call out hypocrisy or explore the dark corners of the soul, and that authenticity is rare in any genre—let alone punk rock (Rock On Purpose).
The Production Team: Josiah Prince of Disciple
Josiah Prince lends more than just production expertise. As a longtime member of Disciple, Prince is known for his work both on stage and behind the mixing desk. His credits as a songwriter, producer, and engineer span over 150 projects, including major Christian rock acts like Kutless, Spoken, and Fireflight (SoundBetter). Prince’s ability to capture raw energy and emotional nuance makes him the ideal collaborator for “That’s Just Life.”
From the Studio to the Stage
“That’s Just Life” isn’t just a song to listen to in your headphones—it’s meant to be shouted along with on stage, arms around strangers who know exactly what you’re feeling. Parrish’s previous single, “Small,” already cracked the top five on radio charts, and with “That’s Just Life,” he doubles down on his punk roots while hinting at the bigger themes to come on “Make Me a Mountain” (NewReleaseToday).
Where to Listen, How to Connect
You’ll find Nate Parrish’s music on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, and you can follow his journey on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Why “That’s Just Life” Matters
In a world where it’s easy to get lost in platitudes or drown out pain with noise, Parrish offers something different: a punk rock exorcism for the soul, a reminder that pain is real but hope is stubborn. “That’s Just Life” isn’t just a song—it’s an outstretched hand in the darkness, a battle cry for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, and proof that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply tell the truth.
Conclusion
Nate Parrish is redefining what punk rock can be in 2025—unfiltered, vulnerable, unafraid. “That’s Just Life” is more than a single; it’s a manifesto for living through the hard days and coming out stronger on the other side.
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