After finishing high school, Kem dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family. He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, "My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people. That's one of the things that I am most proud of." He has also stated that he does not create music marketed to the mainstream hip-hop-dominated R&B crowd but to people who enjoy his soul/jazz adult contemporary sound and lyrical content. He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, by singing in a wedding band and waiting tables. He was later signed by Motown Records, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003. The album's first single, "Love Calls", became a hit at urban adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio. He followed his debut release with a sophomore album, Album II, released May 17, 2005. It included the hit single "I Can't Stop Loving You", a #1 at urban adult contemporary radio, and the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
Matter of Time
Kem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a matter of time
How can we be more like your brother
He was tall, thin and fine
The head of his class, yeah, yeah
And everybody liked him, hey
But never seemed to find it
'Cause Heaven resides right here
On the inside, yeah
And people go from bad to good in just
The blink of an eye, oh yeah
If they can go from bad to good I guess
Then so can I, yeah
It's a matter of time, yeah
It's a matter of time, yeah
He'd take us downtown to the mission
Over on Mack and Third
To hear some of the strangest sounds
We'd ever heard, yeah
He'd say that bad things, they happen
But it's all divine please
Don't let this crazy cruel world
Make you blind
'Cause people go from bad to good in just
The blink of an eye, oh yeah
If they can go from bad to good I guess
Then so can I, yeah
It's a matter of time
It's a matter of time, yeah
It's a matter of time, yeah
It's a matter of time, yeah
It's a matter time before I
Find my way home
It's a matter of time before
I get it together
It's a matter of time
Boys and girls, it's a matter of time
A matter of time
It's a matter time, yeah
Sweet time, yeah
In Kem's song "Matter of Time," he discusses the idea that people have the ability to change for the better, no matter their past mistakes or faults. He asks how we can be more like his brother who seemed to have "chased Heaven" his entire life, but never found it because it was already within him. Kem's brother would take him and others to a mission downtown to listen to unique music and offered the perspective that bad things happen, but it's all divine and we shouldn't be blinded by the cruel world. Kem realizes that people can change from bad to good in the blink of an eye and he can too.
The song appears to be a message of hope and renewal, acknowledging that transformation is possible but also emphasizing that it takes time. It's not surprising that the song was released during a difficult period of the artist's life. Kem himself went through a period of depression and homelessness before his music career took off. The lyrics express the idea that no matter how difficult things get, good things are possible if you just keep striving.
Line by Line Meaning
Matter of time
The concept of waiting patiently for things to happen that are beyond our control.
It's a matter of time
Reiterating the central theme of the song, that things will happen in due course.
How can we be more like your brother
Being curious about other people's positive attributes and seeking self-improvement.
He was tall, thin and fine
Indicative of physical beauty and attractiveness.
The head of his class, yeah, yeah
Being recognized for exceptional academic achievement.
And everybody liked him, hey
Enjoying a good reputation and being well-liked by everyone.
He'd spent his whole life chasing Heaven
Trying to find happiness and fulfillment, possibly through religious or spiritual means.
But never seemed to find it
Despite his efforts, he never achieved his goal of finding true happiness.
'Cause Heaven resides right here
The realization that happiness can be found within oneself.
On the inside, yeah
Not externally, but rather through internal self-discovery.
And people go from bad to good in just
People changing for the better in a short period of time.
The blink of an eye, oh yeah
A metaphorical phrase to describe a fast change that seems sudden.
If they can go from bad to good I guess
If others can change for the better, then there is hope for oneself.
Then so can I, yeah
Expressing the desire and confidence to make personal improvements.
He'd take us downtown to the mission
Going to a charitable organization to help those in need.
Over on Mack and Third
A location reference to the area where the mission is located.
To hear some of the strangest sounds
Experiencing new and unusual sounds of music or culture.
We'd ever heard, yeah
Expressing the uniqueness of the experience and the accompanying emotion.
He'd say that bad things, they happen
Admitting that unfortunate events occur in life.
But it's all divine please
Seeing the bigger picture of a higher power or divine plan.
Don't let this crazy cruel world
Encouraging others to remain positive in the face of adversity.
Make you blind
Not letting external factors obstruct one's outlook on life.
It's a matter time before I
The recognition that personal progress takes time.
Find my way home
Achieving inner peace and fulfillment.
It's a matter of time before
Emphasizing the inevitability of change and personal growth.
I get it together
Aiming to improve oneself and get one's life in order.
Boys and girls, it's a matter of time
Addressing a general audience and reiterating the song's central message.
Sweet time, yeah
Acknowledging that personal growth and progress can be a challenging but rewarding journey.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KIM L. OWENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind