Her somewhat contentious relationship with Green himself would be captured for audiences to see in the 2005 documentary film Rock School. Even at that young age, Madi had forceful ideas about her music, an instinct that has served her well in avoiding lazy categorization.
Green's School of Rock led to a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where Madi would spend the next three years. Beyond musical education, it was at Berklee that she met producer Frank Charlton and engineer Martin Cooke, with whom she would record her first solo album, Skin and Bone, in early 2007. Joining her for the sessions was another Berklee student, Kyle Ryan, her songwriting and performing collaborator ever since.
Skin and Bone is a sparkling debut, capturing a rootsy side of Diaz as singer-songwriter and drawing comparisons to the work of artists like Patty Griffin. But just as soon as Skin and Bone arrived, Diaz was already moving forward. She and Ryan began co-writing with others, and the pair, often joined by bass player Adam Popick, started to play regularly in and around Boston. A chance meeting at a show in New York City lead Madi to her manager Ty Stiklorius (part of John Legend's management team) and in turn to a publishing deal with Cherry Lane (Ryan, too, signed with Cherry Lane).
With support from her new management and publisher, doors began to open and interest in Madi grew, especially after people saw her perform at places like the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, WXPN Phildelphia's XPoNential Music Festival and the Living Room in New York City's Lower East Side.
Diaz and Ryan began co-writing with folks like Sarah Siskind, Garrison Starr and David Mead, and recording demos with producers Gary Paczosa (Dixie Chicks, Alison Krauss), Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson) and Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin). Those sessions eventually spurred Diaz and Ryan to uproot from Boston and move to Nashville, where they continued to write new material and ingratiate themselves into the local scene through local gigs at The Basement and Mercy Lounge. Nashville producers, Ian Fitchuck and Justin Loucks (Landon Pigg, Griffin House, De Novo Dahl) became friends and soon collaborators, the first byproduct of which is Diaz and Ryan's new EP, Ten Gun Salute.
The sound of Ten Gun Salute might surprise those who have heard Skin and Bone, as Madi and Kyle veer off into new sonic territories. Toy pianos plink. Fat basslines oomph. Americana overtones give way to imaginative pop structures. All the while there's that amazing voice weaving through. From the simple and sublime "Heavy Heart," to the instantly memorable "Nothing At All," the evocative storytelling of "Love You Now" to the damn-near-epic title track, Ten Gun Salute finds Diaz soaring.
Down We Go
Madi Diaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My eyes get cloudy
Every time you come near
I need you here
If you move to far then I will know
And down we go
I don't know how to move, I can't explain
Wasting my time with you
Is all that I want to do, oh, will you stay
Or will you walk away?
I trust you to draw the line
But then I'm looking your way
You're stumbling over to my side
Can't take more of the same tonight
Not this time
The lyrics to Madi Diaz's song "Down we go" are about the push and pull of a romantic relationship. The singer acknowledges the clarity and allure of her partner, but also recognizes that being too close to them clouds her perspective. She confesses a desire to waste time with this person, even though she knows it's not necessarily wise. The line "If you move too far then I will know, and down we go" implies a fear of losing this connection and the potential for the relationship to unravel. The singer feels torn between trusting her partner's judgment and still craving their attention even when it might not be in her best interest. The chorus repeats the sentiment that they're headed down a path together, but it's unclear whether that's leading to something positive or negative.
One interpretation of this song is that it's about a relationship that's not quite right for the singer but is hard to resist. The lyrics convey a sense of euphoria mixed with apprehension, and the title evokes a feeling of falling or spiraling out of control. The singer is conflicted about their attraction to someone who might not be good for them in the long run.
Line by Line Meaning
You see things so crystal clear
Your vision is clear and precise.
My eyes get cloudy
I become distracted and unclear when you are around.
Every time you come near
Your presence affects me strongly.
I need you here
I require your companionship and support.
If you move too far then I will know
If you become distant, I will sense it and be affected.
And down we go
Our relationship may become strained or fall apart.
I don't know how to move
I am uncertain how to proceed or act.
I can't explain
I don't have the words to articulate my feelings.
Wasting my time with you
Investing time with you feels worthwhile, even if it is not productive.
Is all that I want to do, oh, will you stay
Spending time with you is my priority, and I hope you choose to do the same.
Or will you walk away?
I am concerned you may leave for unknown reasons.
I trust you to draw the line
I rely on you to establish boundaries.
But then I'm looking your way
Even though you are setting limits, I am still drawn to you.
You're stumbling over to my side
You are crossing the boundaries and approaching me.
Can't take more of the same tonight
I can't handle the same patterns or behaviors repeating.
Not this time
I have reached a tipping point and need things to change.
Writer(s): Madi Diaz Copyright: BMG Sapphire Songs, Madi Diaz Publishing
Contributed by Miles S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
huopcd
What a great song and performance!!! Bring it on girl!
athousandmiles inhershoes
she is so amazing, I love her expressions when she gets into the song.
jessicafreymusic
this is so good. can't wait for the full album!
Nathan Griffith
Great song. Another addition to your great collection!
mfd77
the melodic arrangements on this song are fantastic!
drehmoment
this doesnt just make me happy, this makes me drunk on endorphins! Thanks you guys!
TrickDaddyNiCK
This song is so satisfying. It sounds exactly like my brain wants it to.
Reinhard54
Briefly said, I like just about everything about Madi. Her songs. Her voice. Her looks. I'm even jealous of her Shure microphone !
Ein Han
awesome song! she should be more famous
David Ohlerking II
brilliant voice.