Matthews also released a solo CD, Some Devil, in 2003 joined by guitarists Tim Reynolds, Trey Anastasio, drummer Brady Blade, and bassist Tony Hall. This group and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski tours as "Dave Matthews & Friends."
Dave also plays some events solo, such as the Benaroya Hall concert, Farm Aid, and various other events.
Dave Matthews also plays acoustic gigs with long time friend Tim Reynolds.
In recent years he has also shown his acting talents, most recently guesting as a savant pianist in the series 'House M.D.' and a non-speaking role as a homosexual fashion advisor in the Adam Sandler film Chuck and Larry. He was also In Don't Mess With the Zohan.
The Maker
Dave Matthews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black, and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open
I've run a twisted mile
I'm a stranger
In the eyes of the maker
I could not see
I could not feel
For the fear in my life
From across the great divide
In the distance I saw a light
Jean Baptiste
Walking to me with the maker
My body is bent and broken
By long and dangerous sleep
I can work the fields of Abraham
And turn my head away
I'm not a stranger
In the eyes of the maker
Brother john
Have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing there
With broken dreams
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of eden
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Oh river rise from your sleep....
The Maker by Dave Matthews is a poetic song that explores human struggles and the hope of redemption. The first lines expose the feeling of isolation and disorientation. The author describes the deep black water as cold as the night, creating an ambiance of desolation. However, he redeems the picture in the following lines claiming to "stand with arms wide open." This gesture represents receptivity and acceptance, a sign of hope. The reference to a "twisted line" suggests disorganization, confusion, and suffering. Matthews portrays himself as "a stranger in the eyes of the maker." Here, the maker represents God or a higher power. He perceives himself as insignificant and unrecognized by the divine, which is a desperate situation.
However, the second stanza gives hints of relief. The distance saw a light that guided the singer from the abyss of his despair. The light represents Jesus or John the Baptist, two spiritual figures that bring clarity in times of obscurity. Matthews' feelings of brokenness and deformation are a reflection of his literal and spiritual condition. The symbolism of fields of Abraham represents his inability to participate in society’s life fully. He turns his head away from the social norm, making him an outsider. The last line shows redemption, "I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker," reflecting that he is safe in the hands of his Higher Power.
The references to brother John, homeless daughters with broken wings, flaming swords, and the river represent the power of sacrifice, redemption, and transformation. Burning eyes of the Maker relate to judgmental and righteous consequences. The river is also a symbol of life, revitalization, and rebirth. Thus, the song is a journey of a man who is lost yet seeking redemption and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh deep water, black and cold like the night
The singer is in a dark and harsh place, like deep, cold water.
I stand with arms wide open
Despite the difficulty, the singer remains open.
I've run a twisted line
The singer has lived a complicated life.
I'm a stranger in the eyes of the Maker
The singer feels lost and unknown to a higher power.
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
The singer is blinded by confusion.
I could not feel for the fear in my life
The singer is paralyzed by fear.
From across the great divide, In the distance I saw a light
Despite distance, there is a glimmer of hope.
Of John Baptist walking to me with the Maker
John the Baptist acts as a guide to the divine presence.
My body my body is bent and broken by long and dangerous sleep
The singer's body is exhausted from a prolonged, risky period in life.
I can't work the fields of Abraham and turn my head away
The singer feels unable to ignore the legacy of the past.
I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker
The singer finds comfort in the idea of a higher presence.
Brother John, have you seen the homeless daughters
The singer is worried about those who are vulnerable.
Standing here with broken wings
The people in question are struggling to survive.
I have seen the flaming swords
The singer has witnessed dangerous, violent times.
There over east of Eden
Alludes to the story of Adam and Eve.
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
The higher power is angered by the situation on Earth.
Oh, river rise from your sleep
The singer is calling for a positive change to come.
Oh, river rise from your sleep
Repetition emphasizes the call to action.
Oh, river rise from your sleep
More emphasis on the urgent need for positive change.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DANIEL LANOIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shishankdahiya5016
Oh, oh deep water, black and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger in the eyes of the Maker
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel for the fear in my life
From across the great divide, In the distance I saw a light
Of John Baptist walking to me with the Maker
My body my body is bent and broken by long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the fields of Abraham and turn my head away
I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker
Brother John, have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing here with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of Eden
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
@taniamason9432
This song came to me after my son died at the age of 25 from a drug overdose. He struggled for years with health issues, mental demons and drug addiction. He sent this song to me 8 days after he died to tell me he made it to the other side and he’s at peace...his struggles were over and he was indeed with The Maker❤️
@o-rang9137
He loves and watches over you every day i'm sure. He will always be with you and I know he would want you to not be sad. ❤
@schlonzschuppe4516
i feel that. my father died and i still meet him in my dreams. its not over. tania love never dies. not knowing you i love you. greetings from germany.
@taniamason9432
@@schlonzschuppe4516 thank you. Love to you my friend.
@taniamason9432
@@o-rang9137 I feel his presence often. Thank you for taking the time to comment, it means a lot to me. Bless you!
@patriciakenney5789
Wow.
@77kerimartin
This is the most heartfelt & stunning song I’ve ever known. Years later & it’s still my absolute favorite. So beautiful ❤
@ChristsDisciples
By His mercy we can become Christians may He do His will in us
@abigailcall3212
"But from across the great divide, in the distance I saw light"
I get chills every time at this point in the song. Everything about this moment...the dynamics, the vulnerability in Dave's voice, the passion behind the guitar...it all creates a surreal moment of absolution. Thank you Dave and Tim for your beautiful story telling. ❤
@yisraeltracywaymire4401
My son and I had the privilege of hearing 👆🏼right before he was diagnosed with Leukemia…. WOW! No WORDS! 😢