Matchbox Twenty (or MB20, MBT, M20, originally spelled Matchbox 20) is a Grammy-nominated rock band formed in Orlando, Florida.
Matchbox Twenty has sold over 45 million albums worldwide from the releases of Yourself or Someone Like You, Mad Season, and More Than You Think You Are. They released their latest album, Exile on Mainstream, on October 2, 2007. The current members of the band are Rob Thomas, Paul Doucette, Brian Yale, and Kyle Cook. Rhythm guitarist Adam Gaynor left the band in 2005, after performing on their first three studio albums. Rob Thomas is the principal songwriter and lead singer. Rob Thomas has created a well-established solo career for himself after releasing the album, …Something to Be.
Real World
Matchbox 20 Lyrics
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I wonder what it's like to know that I made the rain
I'd store it in boxes with little yellow tags on everyone
And you can come and see them when I'm
Done, when I'm done
I wonder what it's like to be a super hero
I wonder where I'd go if I could fly around downtown
Boy I bet my friends will all be
stunned, they're stunned
Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
Strange, where were you, when we started this gig,
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me
And you, and you, and me
I wonder what it's like to be the head honcho
I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said
I'd shout out an order, I think we're out of this man get me some
Boy don't make me wanna change my
tone, my tone
Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
Strange, where were you, when we started this gig
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me
Please don't change, please don't break
Could the only thing that seems to work at all is you
Please don't change, at all from me to you
And you, to me
Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
Strange, where were you, when we started this gi
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me
And you, and me
The opening lines of the song “Real World” by Matchbox 20, ask us to imagine what it might be like to have the power to control the weather. The idea of being a rainmaker or someone who could make it rain is an interesting one, as it suggests a level of control over nature that most people will never have. It’s likely that the singer is using this metaphor to talk about a desire for control over his own life. He wants to be able to create something of value and then take credit for it, to know that he has made a difference in the world. The boxes with little yellow tags on everyone are a symbol of this desire for recognition. They represent the singer’s need to be noticed and appreciated for what he has accomplished.
The second verse of the song continues with the idea of having superpowers, of being a superhero who can fly around downtown. Again, this is likely a metaphor for something else, perhaps the desire to be able to solve all of the problems in the world or to escape from the limitations of everyday life. The “funky high on yellow sun” is a reference to Superman, who gets his powers from Earth’s yellow sun. The singer imagines that his friends would be stunned if he had these powers, as if this would somehow set him apart from everyone else.
In the final verse, the singer talks about what it would be like to be a leader, to be the head honcho who can give orders and have them followed without question. Again, this is likely a metaphor for something else. Perhaps the singer is talking about a desire to be in control of his own life, to be the one making the decisions rather than having to follow someone else’s lead. Overall, the song seems to be about a desire for something more, a sense of dissatisfaction with the way things are and a longing for something better.
Line by Line Meaning
What I wonder it's like to be the rainmaker
I am curious about the feeling of having the power to create or control a natural phenomenon like rain.
I wonder what it's like to know that I made the rain
I imagine the sensation of pride and accomplishment that comes with being responsible for the creation of rain.
I'd store it in boxes with little yellow tags on everyone
I would keep track of every rain I made by storing them in labeled boxes.
And you can come and see them when I'm Done, when I'm done
I am willing to share my achievement with others once I have completed my rainmaking feats.
I wonder what it's like to be a super hero
I am curious about the sensation of possessing extraordinary abilities that sets me apart from others.
I wonder where I'd go if I could fly around downtown
I imagine possibilities of exploring the city and its surroundings if I could fly like a superhero.
From some other planet, I get this funky high on yellow sun
I imagine the exhilarating feeling of being exposed to the sun of a different planet.
Boy I bet my friends will all be stunned, they're stunned
I expect my friends to be amazed if I had superpowers and could fly across different cities.
Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
I am questioning the purpose or motive of seeking information or knowledge from this situation or person.
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
I am unsure if the success of this venture or undertaking is solely dependent on my presence or character.
Strange, where were you, when we started this gig,
I find it odd that you were not present when we initially began this project.
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me
I desire a break from the challenges and demands of everyday life.
And you, and you, and me
This wish for a break from the real world applies to anyone and everyone involved in this situation.
I wonder what it's like to be the head honcho
I am curious about what it feels like to be in charge or possess a position of power and authority.
I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said
I imagine the possibilities and outcomes that could result from having complete control over the actions and decisions of others.
I'd shout out an order, I think we're out of this man get me some
I would command others to perform a task or obtain a certain item if it were running low.
Boy don't make me wanna change my tone, my tone
I warn others not to make me upset or frustrated enough to use a harsher tone while giving orders or commands.
Please don't change, please don't break
I am expressing a desire for things to remain stable and constant.
Could the only thing that seems to work at all is you
I am acknowledging the fact that the person I am addressing is the only thing that brings me comfort or reliability.
Please don't change, at all from me to you
I want the person to remain the same in their interactions with me.
And you, to me
This request for consistency applies to both parties involved in this situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROB THOMAS, ROBERT THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@russeltoombs3800
2024 who's still rockin this vibe
@Owen-tp2po
It’s so damn good
@vickiecoles8214
Listened to it today in surgery!
@Tigers_and_Tarot
Listening to Matchbox Twenty is like getting back in touch with an old friend.
@sierraarneson46
Got to see the old friends live last Friday, they sound as amazing as always. They're my favorite feel good go-to, always will be. ❤
@RogerGilland-cc8nb
All right that's great
@charissedecalongne2553
I love this! My stepdad was a big fan. I miss him a lot. When I listen to M20 it’s like I have him back just for a few minutes.
@iamPauleyD
Except all my old friends have fucked me over or are all on meth😂
@JasonDumke
Yeah, more like being touched by an older friend.
@kelsmichelle932
I can't stop crying. My mom loved Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas. She passed at a young 44. I miss her so much and this reminds me of her. We would do road trips and their music would play constantly on the CD back in the day. I miss you mommah. :(