He has toured with Owl City, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, The Fray, Jason Mraz, Vedera Newsboys, MUTEMATH, Meiko, Cary Brothers, and Train; and headlined VH1's first ever "You Oughta Know Tour" in the spring of 2007.
Kearney's songs have appeared on the television series: Dirty Sexy Money, Kyle XY, The Unit, Without A Trace, Laguna Beach, The Hills, Bones, Jericho, Friday Night Lights, Wildfire, What About Brian, South Beach, 8th & Ocean, One Tree Hill, Scrubs, The Closer, NCIS, Life Unexpected and Grey's Anatomy.
He attended California State University, Chico in Chico, California where he majored in literature and played soccer until his junior year. It was also at this time when Mat picked up a guitar for the first time. Using a roommate's guitar, he tried covering other songs. Realizing he wasn't too good at it, he began writing his own.
Kearney has stated that his legal name is Mathew due to a nurse's error on his birth certificate. He discovered the error while in the 8th grade when he noticed how his mom corrected the error with red ink, never legally correcting it. Since then, he embraced the one T in his legal name.
Face to Face
Mat Kearney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How many miles must it take to breakthrough
And how many hours must we wait through, to hear the truth
How many moments did I trade in, for a fake kiss
How many chances did I forfeit, too afraid to miss
I feel your thunder pourin' like rain
Rolling like rivers, running with grace
Into the ocean of your embrace
Your hand on my side, leading the way
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
I hear the music heaven has made
Oh when we're standing, standing
Face to face
Face to face
How many nights with regret did I sweat through
How many lives in the rear view do I compare to
I feel your thunder pourin' like rain
Down on the mountains of all my mistakes
Rolling like rivers, running with grace
Into the ocean of your embrace
Your hand on my side, leading the way
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
I hear the music heaven has made
Oh when we're standing, standing
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Hand on my side, leading the way
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
I hear the music heaven has made
Oh when we're standing, standing
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
The lyrics of "Face To Face" by Mat Kearney speak to themes of self-reflection, redemption, and finding solace in a deep connection with another person. The song explores the idea of breaking free from one's past and embracing the truth, even if it means facing difficult moments and missed opportunities.
The opening lines, "How many miles must it take to breakthrough / And how many hours must we wait through, to hear the truth," suggest a longing for clarity and honesty. The singer reflects on the moments and chances they may have wasted out of fear, indicating a desire to move beyond regrets. The lines "How many nights with regret did I sweat through / How many lives in the rear view do I compare to" emphasize the weight of past mistakes and the struggle to let go.
The chorus, with its recurring line "I feel your thunder pouring like rain," signifies the powerful presence of another person in the singer's life. This person, described as a source of forgiveness and grace, leads them away from their past and towards a new beginning. The imagery of rivers running with grace and the ocean of embrace symbolize the transformative nature of this connection.
The repeated refrain of "Face to face" underscores the importance of being present and truly engaging with someone on a deep level. It suggests that true redemption and understanding can only be achieved through genuine, intimate interactions.
Overall, "Face to Face" is a song about personal growth and finding solace in a meaningful relationship built on honesty and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two
Starting off the song with a simple counting, symbolizing the beginning of a journey or an awakening.
How many miles must it take to breakthrough
Asking how much distance or effort is needed to experience a significant breakthrough or personal growth.
And how many hours must we wait through, to hear the truth
Questioning the patience required to receive honesty or to uncover the truth in a situation.
How many moments did I trade in, for a fake kiss
Reflecting on the times when meaningful experiences were exchanged for empty and insincere moments.
How many chances did I forfeit, too afraid to miss
Acknowledging the missed opportunities caused by fear and hesitation to take risks.
I feel your thunder pourin' like rain
Sensing the power or influence of someone else's presence, overwhelming like a storm.
Down on the mountains of all my mistakes
Describing how this person's impact has come crashing down upon the author's past errors and regrets.
Rolling like rivers, running with grace
Comparing the continuous flow and movement of this person's influence to the elegant and smooth motion of rivers.
Into the ocean of your embrace
Entering a deep and profound sense of comfort, security, and love provided by this person's embrace.
Your hand on my side, leading the way
Feeling guided and supported by the presence and guidance of this person.
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
Expressing strong devotion and commitment that cannot be swayed or taken away, no matter the challenges faced.
I hear the music heaven has made
Sensing a divine harmony or beauty in the connection shared with this person.
Oh when we're standing, standing
Emphasizing the importance of being present and united in the relationship with this person.
How many nights with regret did I sweat through
Reflecting on sleepless nights filled with remorse and guilt for past actions or choices.
How many lives in the rear view do I compare to
Comparing one's current life and its challenges to the different paths and opportunities left behind in the past.
Face to face
Expressing a desire or need to confront a situation or person directly, without barriers or pretense.
Hand on my side, leading the way
Continuing to feel supported and guided by this person's presence, leading the journey together.
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
Reiterating the unwavering commitment and devotion that cannot be disrupted, even with immense force or distraction.
I hear the music heaven has made
Continuing to sense a profound and celestial harmony in the connection and love shared.
Oh when we're standing, standing
Reemphasizing the importance of standing strong and united with this person.
Face to face
Reiterating the desire and need to confront a situation or person directly, without any barriers or masks.
Face to face
Emphasizing once again the importance of open and honest communication and direct engagement.
Face to face
Continuing to highlight the significance of confronting something or someone directly, without reservation.
Face to face
Repeating the phrase to underline the genuine and authentic connection sought after and experienced.
Face to face
Concluding the song with a final repetition of the phrase, emphasizing the importance of direct and honest engagement.
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mat Kearney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ethan Phangcho
[Intro]
One, two...
[Verse 1]
How many miles must it take to, breakthrough
And how many hours must we wait though, to hear the truth
How many moments did I trade in, for a fake kiss
How many chances did I forfeit, too afraid to miss
[Chorus]
I feel Your thunder pourin' like rain
Down on the mountains of all my mistakes
Rolling like rivers, running with grace
Into the ocean of Your embrace
Your hand of my side, leading the way
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
I hear the music, Heaven has made
Oh when we're standing, standing
Face to Face
Face to Face
[Verse 2]
How many nights with regret do I swear through
How many lives in the rear view, do I compare too
[Chorus]
I feel Your thunder pourin' like rain
Down on the mountains of all my mistakes
Rolling like rivers, running with grace
Into the ocean of Your embrace
Your hand of my side, leading the way
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
I hear the music, Heaven has made
Oh when we're standing, standing
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
[Outtro]
Hand on my side, leading the way
Ten thousand horses couldn't pull me away
I hear the music, heaven has made
Oh when we're standing, standing
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
Face to face
H P
Mat is an incredible artist. Thank you, sir for making this world a better place with your music.
KINGDOM LADIES
Yes he changes the world
Heavy Pulp Studios
This song is so good!! One of the most underrated songs of all time.
Saulo Costa
I agree, totally
Joe Garofalo II
It's weird, I heard this song on the radio a lot and didn't really like it. Then one time I actually listened to the words and it was overwhelming. This is amazing stuff, and really speaks to my heart โค๏ธ ๐
Breaux Dose
Same man. It hit me one day and now I listen to it daily.
Lรฉo and alex
Discovered this great song today in the movie 'Translated ' .....absolutely amazing
IsaiahHommes
God bless you. God will get you through the pain, and will turn it around for your joy and healthiness!
Laura J
I โค๏ธthe song. Heard it months ago and couldnโt find it then all of a sudden out of nowhere I stumbled a crossed it when I needed it most. A gift from God reminding me of His river of grace from the mountain of my mistakes. Thank you for this song.
That_One_MHA_Fan
This is an epic song. It gets me in the "zone" every time. I always end up closing my eyes, cranking up the music, and singing until my throat is raw. This song is amazing!