Jonny Lang (born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. in Fargo, North Dakota, January 2… Read Full Bio ↴Jonny Lang (born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. in Fargo, North Dakota, January 29, 1981) is a Grammy Award-winning American singer and guitarist performing blues, gospel, soul, and rock music, his latest work being 2013's 'Fight For My Soul'. In 1995, at the age of 14, Lang released his first album, 'Smokin'. Performing both as himself and as as 'Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang', he achieved some budding success. As a result of the LP becoming a regional hit, a major-label bidding war ensued that culminated in Lang signing to A&M Records in 1996.

In 1997, at the age of 15, he released his major-label debut, 'Lie to Me'. Though it picked up mixed critical reviews, the album served as a commercial breakthrough, with single "Lie to Me" particularly receiving much airplay and earning the #12 slot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. That blues rock track continues to be beloved by Lang's fan-base.

Lang followed with 'Wander This World', released on October 20, 1998. Broadening his sound somewhat with influences from classic soul and modern rock, the release experienced widespread success. His singles, "Wander This World" and "Still Rainin'", did particularly well, the latter tune reaching the #8 slot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

Several releases and constant touring later, Lang's latest work is 'Fight For My Soul', released on September 2, 2013. The album has received critical acclaim from publications such has Allmusic, with the reviewers remarking that Lang "dives headfirst into classic soul and R&B, its elastic, funky grooves allowing the guitarist plenty of space to solo". It also hit the #20 slot on Billboard's 'Top Rock Albums' chart, selling extremely well.

Part of his success has been due to a voice that sounds somewhat like that of a 40-year-old blues veteran, containing what fans have seen as a harshness tempered by a fine falsetto that has taken prominence in his newest albums. Another part of his success is his scorching, electrifying guitar solos, which display a prodigious natural talent honed by years of practice and playing. Whatever the secret to his success, the youngster has quickly become a fixture in the blues world, drawing crowds wherever he goes.

Lang has drawn deeply from the wellspring of influences from the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Luther Allison, and Albert Collins. Many blues artists have also been encouraged to pick up the guitar from his example. As he becomes more confident in his role as a musical veteran instead of a boy wonder, one can see the possibilities he has yet to share with his fans.

Matchbox
Jonny Lang Lyrics

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Yeah I'm tired of sighing
Tired of worrying you too
But I made up my mind baby
What I'm gonna do
I got my clothes in a matchbox
I'm gonna forget about you

But I tried to tell you many times

But I never could do it
You believe me baby
This time I'm through
I got my clothes in a matchbox
I'm gonna forget about you

Now when things get harder
Yeah and rough on you
Don't try to get me back now baby
'Cause baby I'm through

I got my clothes in a matchbox
Gonna forget about you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Jonny Lang's song "Matchbox" convey the singer's desire to move on from a toxic relationship. The repeated refrain of "I got my clothes in a matchbox, gonna forget about you" strongly implies the singer's intent to leave the relationship entirely and not look back. In the first verse, the singer expresses their frustration with constantly worrying about their partner and feeling bogged down by the relationship. However, the singer has made up their mind and knows that they need to leave in order to move on with their life.

The second verse reinforces the singer's conviction to leave, explaining that they have tried to end things many times before but were never successful. This time, though, they are serious and want their partner to believe them. The final verse is almost a warning to the partner not to try and win the singer back, as they have already made up their mind to leave for good.

Overall, "Matchbox" is a powerful and cathartic song about the importance of standing up for oneself and moving on from toxic relationships. The use of the metaphor of "clothes in a matchbox" paints a vivid picture of the singer leaving their former life behind and starting fresh.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah I'm tired of sighing
I am weary of feeling despondent

Tired of worrying you too
I am tired of causing you anxiety

But I made up my mind baby
I have come to a decision, my dear

What I'm gonna do
I have a plan for my future actions

I got my clothes in a matchbox
All of my belongings are packed up in a small box

I'm gonna forget about you
I am going to try to put you out of my mind

But I tried to tell you many times
I attempted to communicate with you repeatedly

But I never could do it
I was never able to do so successfully

You believe me baby
I hope you will trust me

This time I'm through
I am finished with this situation

Now when things get harder
When faced with difficult times