The following albums saw large shifts in style. Much Afraid saw them releasing gorgeous - sometimes brittle - music, which the Band intended to have a "timeless" sound, while If I Left the Zoo is a quirkier but musically brilliant album, featuring considerably more keys and experimentation. The Eleventh Hour is their first true "rock" album. They returned to acoustic guitars for the "Furthermore" project, which featured two EPs - a live disc and an acoustic disc. The band's 5th album, Who We Are Instead continued some of the band's earlier sonic experiments and showcased some new gospel, bluegrass, and hymnsong influences. The hymnsong approach was continued on an album of new arrangements of classic hymns - Redemption Songs.
Good Monsters was released on Sept. 05, 2006. The album was hailed by CCM Magazine as "Album of the Year" - a controversial move considering that this announcement was made in August. "Good Monsters" further showcases the diverse style of the venerable quartet and is considered by the band to be their first true "rock" record. It is a rock driven record with electric guitars having prevalence on more of the songs than any previous albums. The album also has other stylistic influences and even includes a choir of African school children, while lyrically, it hits the darker side of their self-shaped genre.
In 2007, Jars of Clay announced that they were leaving Essential Records and were creating their own record label, Gray Matters. Jars of Clay released Christmas Songs through Gray Matters in 2007, and the Closer EP was released in the Summer of 2008.
April 21, 2009 marked the release of The Long Fall Back to Earth, containing two tracks from the Closer EP and 12 additional tracks. Two Hands is the first single from that release.
No Matter What
Jars of Clay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will always be with you
And no matter what you do, girl
Ooo, girl, with you
No matter what you do
I will always be around
Won't you tell me what you found, girl
Knock down the old gray wall
Be a part of it all
Nothing to say
Nothing to see
Nothing to do
If you would give me all
As I would give it to you
Nothing would be
Nothing would be
Nothing would be
No matter where you go
There will always be a place
Can't you see it on my face, girl
Ooo, girl, want you
Knock down the old gray wall
Be a part of it all
Nothing to say
Nothing to see
Nothing to do
If you would give me all
As I would give it to you
Nothing would be
Nothing would be
Nothing would be
No matter what you are
I will always be with you
And no matter what you do, girl
Ooo, girl, with you
Ooo, girl, you, girl, want you
Ooo, girl, you, girl, want you
The lyrics to Jars of Clay’s No Matter What convey an unwavering commitment to an individual despite any circumstances that they may face. The repetition of the line “no matter what” emphasizes the determination of the singer to stand by the person he is addressing through any trials they may experience. The use of the terms “girl” and “you” suggests a romantic relationship between the two individuals, but the sentiment can also be interpreted as a commitment to a close friendship or familial bond.
The line “knock down the old gray wall, be a part of it all” communicates a desire for the person to break down any barriers that may be separating them from others and become fully engaged in their community. The lyrics suggest that the singer is offering their support and urging the other person to make themselves vulnerable and open to connection. The sentiment is hopeful, promising a place for the person wherever they may go and a constant presence in their life.
Overall, the lyrics to No Matter What stress the importance of steadfast loyalty and encouragement in relationships. The song is a reminder that no matter what challenges arise, we can rely on those who love and support us to remain by our side.
Line by Line Meaning
No matter what you are
No matter who you are or what you are going through in life
I will always be with you
I will be by your side, supporting and loving you unconditionally
And no matter what you do, girl
Regardless of anything you do or don't do, my love will remain unchanged
Ooo, girl, with you
I want to be with you and share my life with you
No matter what you do
Your actions won't affect my love for you
I will always be around
I will be present and available when you need me
Won't you tell me what you found, girl
I want to understand and support you in your discoveries and experiences in life
Knock down the old gray wall
Break down any barriers or obstacles in our relationship
Be a part of it all
Let us be fully involved with each other in every aspect of life
Nothing to say
Nothing needs to be verbally communicated between us for our love to be real
Nothing to see
Our love transcends physical appearances or material possessions
Nothing to do
Our love doesn't require any specific action or behavior to be maintained
If you would give me all
If you give me your heart and trust completely, I will do the same for you
As I would give it to you
I will reciprocate and give you everything in return
Nothing would be
There would be no barriers or issues that could come between our love
No matter where you go
No matter where life takes you, my love will follow and support you
There will always be a place
You will always have a home in my heart
Can't you see it on my face, girl
My love for you is evident and written all over my face
Ooo, girl, want you
I desire and long for you, my love
Ooo, girl, you, girl, want you
I want you more than anything, my love
Contributed by Katherine J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.