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.
Poor Boy
Mat Kearney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Toe to heel with strong strides taking miles off the map
In this journey called life where I've walked so far
Under the heat of your sun and the shine of your stars
Step by step I've crept, I've crawled, and I've run
Felt the palm of your hand and the barrel of death's gun
I ran for my life stood strong through strife
From a miscarried life to waiting for my wife like
Heard heaven's bell going something long, it's like
I've been there in total despair
Now I've tasted and I've touched
A breath of fresh air
'Cause I do live and I hope and pray
For something better and brighter today
For something there for something there
'Cause I was just a poor boy living in a poor world
But you gave me more love that set me free
'Cause I was just a poor boy living in a poor world
But you have gave me more love that set me free
Like road trips on open roads
Windows down sun setting and fresh new clothes
Shoes off so you can stop reflect on all these paths unfolding
With these staffs that are pulling in this world so controlling
It's not always best to take the interstate
Sometimes the most is on the windy coast way
'Cause wide is the path pulling astray
Narrow is the truth in these days
But all the while I hear a still small voice say
You climbed the cliffs rocked the desert on your very own
Swam the seas, sang the songs with the sweetest tones
The beaches you've combed, moons you've roamed the love you've shown
But all the while a voice calls you home
'Cause I do live and I hope and pray
For something better and brighter today
For something there for something there
'Cause I was just a poor boy living in a poor world
But you gave me more love that set me free
'Cause I was just a poor boy living in a poor world
But you have gave me more love that set me free
In "Poor Boy," Mat Kearney portrays his journey through life as a poor boy living in a poor world, but with the help of someone or something, he discovers a breath of fresh air. He describes the ups and downs of life and all that he has experienced, from walking miles in the heat, feeling the palm of someone's hand, and narrowly escaping death's grip. Still, he keeps his hope alive for a better tomorrow, believing there is something better, brighter, and greater waiting for him.
Kearney uses several metaphors and imagery to explain his journey in the song. The phrase "breath of fresh air" and "wind at my back" symbolize a life change, a new perspective, or an epiphany. The line "Step by step I’ve crept, I’ve crawled, and I’ve run," reveals his journey was not always easy, but with great perseverance and determination, he overcame. Through the song, Kearney emphasizes the significance of finding inner strength and hope, which propelled him to work hard to reach the top, regardless of the obstacles he faced.
In conclusion, "Poor Boy" is about Mat Kearney's journey through life. He expresses his struggles as a poor boy living in a poor world and his belief in something better that is waiting for him. The metaphors and imagery used create a vivid picture of his journey, underscoring the importance of perseverance, determination, and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a breath of fresh air and the wind at my back
Feeling refreshed, invigorated and with a sense of momentum
Toe to heel with strong strides taking miles off the map
Making progress on a journey, with determination and purpose
In this journey called life where I've walked so far
Reflecting on the experiences and challenges of life so far
Under the heat of your sun and the shine of your stars
Feeling the warmth and light of a higher divine power
Step by step I've crept, I've crawled, and I've run
Enduring and persevering through various modes and stages of life
Felt the palm of your hand and the barrel of death's gun
Experiencing both love and danger in life
I ran for my life stood strong through strife
Surviving and overcoming difficult situations
From a miscarried life to waiting for my wife like
Going through a range of emotional experiences, both negative and positive
I heard it sung a thousand strong all night long
Hearing uplifting and inspiring messages from all around
Heard heaven's bell going something long, it's like
Feeling a spiritual connection and hearing divine guidance
I've been there in total despair
Experiencing deep sadness and hopelessness
Now I've tasted and I've touched
Having direct experience of something profound and meaningful
A breath of fresh air
Feeling renewed and rejuvenated
'Cause I do live and I hope and pray
Holding onto hope and faith despite challenges
For something better and brighter today
Believing in the possibility of a brighter future
For something there for something there
Seeking meaning and purpose in life
'Cause I was just a poor boy living in a poor world
Feeling limited and disadvantaged in life
But you gave me more love that set me free
Finding liberation and empowerment through the power of love
'Cause I was just a poor boy living in a poor world
Reiterating feelings of limitation and disadvantage
But you have gave me more love that set me free
Expressing gratitude for the transformative power of love
Like road trips on open roads
Metaphorically exploring new horizons and possibilities
Windows down sun setting and fresh new clothes
Enjoying the freedom, beauty and novelty of life
Shoes off so you can stop reflect on all these paths unfolding
Taking time to pause and reflect on life's journey
With these staffs that are pulling in this world so controlling
Feeling the pressures and demands of a world that can be difficult to navigate
It's not always best to take the interstate
Sometimes the best path in life is not the most obvious or mainstream one
Sometimes the most is on the windy coast way
Exploring uncharted or unconventional paths can lead to valuable discoveries and growth
'Cause wide is the path pulling astray
Acknowledging the temptation and dangers of a wider, more superficial path in life
Narrow is the truth in these days
Recognizing the importance of seeking truth and following a more challenging, yet fulfilling path in life
But all the while I hear a still small voice say
Having a sense of inner guidance and intuition
You climbed the cliffs rocked the desert on your very own
Having achieved major accomplishments and overcame great obstacles independently
Swam the seas, sang the songs with the sweetest tones
Having experienced a diverse range of positive and exhilarating experiences
The beaches you've combed, moons you've roamed the love you've shown
Having expressed great love, appreciation and wonder in life
But all the while a voice calls you home
Feeling drawn towards a greater sense of belonging, meaning and purpose
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: MATHEW KEARNEY, ROBERT L. MARVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lovetohatehatetolove
pure amazing, Matt is one of the most talented ive heard, such a good taste in creativity
mamasgirl51080
Awesome track! If you can make me dance and type at the same time you're sounding pretty fantastic! Thanks!
Jelly
I only heard the version @tjounson1 was talking about, I just found this version. I think it'sbetter. The sound of it really works with the lyrics. I don't know how else to put it other than a refreshing and a reassuring song. This always improves my mood :)
Sergio Ivan Salazar
Amazing.
R Family
This song helped me hold on . When my grip was slippin
MrSmbass1
It sucks when good music you hear now you didn't know existed years ago. I must have been day dreaming my whole school life. Still glad i found music worth hearing.
Nathan Pruitt
"Cause I wanna know you, Cause I wanna know you, Just a steeple in the ocean of my heart."
Alley McBeal
Mat Kearney does it again :D
Jacob Ames
Dang it! Why doesn't he sell this?!
raghu senapathi
Cool song