Known for blending traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop sounds, Matisyahu is most recognizable for being an orthodox Jew and writing a number of songs based on his faith and beliefs. Since 2004, he has released four studio albums as well as one live album, two remix CDs and one DVD featuring a live concert, and a number of interviews. Through his short career, Matisyahu has teamed up with some of the biggest names in reggae production including Bill Laswell and duo Sly & Robbie. The Tel Aviv'n Songfacts states several tracks of his fourth studio album, Spark Seeker, were recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Since his debut, Matisyahu has received positive reviews from both rock and reggae outlets. Most recently, he was named Top Reggae Artist of 2006 by Billboard as well as being named a spokesperson for Kenneth Cole.
Matthew Miller was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA on June 30th 1979, corresponding to the Jewish date of the 5th of Tamuz 5740. Shortly after his birth, the Miller family moved to Berkeley, CA and eventually settled in White Plains, NY. Growing up, Matisyahu's parents sent him to Hebrew School a couple of times a week, but like many kids, he resisted the additional school hours and was frequently threatened with expulsion for disrupting the lessons.
By the age of 14, Matthew Miller slid comfortably into the laid-back lifestyle of a teenage hippie. Having fallen in with the "Dead-Head" crowd, he grew dreadlocks and wore his Birkenstocks all winter long. He played his bongos in the lunchroom and learned how to beat-box in the back of class. By 11th grade, despite his carefree days, Matisyahu couldn't ignore the void in his life. After nearly burning down his chemistry class, he knew his mission must begin immediately. He decided to set off on a camping trip in Colorado. Away from his suburban life in White Plains, Matisyahu had the opportunity to take an introspective look at himself and contemplate his environment. It was there in the awe-inspiring landscape of the Rocky Mountains, that Matisyahu had an eye-opening realization: there is a God.
After Colorado, his spiritual curiosity piqued and Matisyahu took his first trip to Israel. There, for the first time in his life, he felt a connection to the God he discovered in Colorado. Israel was a major turning point. Matisyahu relished the time he spent there, praying, exploring, and dancing in Jerusalem. In every nook he encountered, his dormant Jewish identity stirred into consciousness.
Leaving Israel proved to be a difficult transition. Once back in White Plains, Matisyahu didn't know how to maintain his new connection with Judaism. Feeling dejected, he fatefully dropped out of high school and began following Phish on a national tour. On the road, Matisyahu thought seriously about his life, his music, and his thirst for Judaism.
After a few months, burnt out and broke, he returned home. By this time his parents insisted that Matisyahu go and "straighten" himself out at a wilderness school in Bend, Oregon. The school encouraged artistic pursuits and Matisyahu took advantage of this time to delve further into his music. He studied up on reggae and hip-hop. He attended a weekly open-mic where he rapped, sang, beat-boxed, and did almost anything he could to stay creatively charged. It was then that he started to develop the unique reggae-hip hop sound for which he would one day become known.
After 2 years in the "sticks," the 19-year old Matisyahu returned to New York a changed man. He moved to the city to attend The New School where he continued honing his musical craft, and also dabbled in the theater. During this time, he happened on the Carlebach Shul, a synagogue on the Upper West Side, well known for its hippie-friendly vibe and exuberant singing. This encounter further fueled his soul-fire, turning him on to the mystical power of song in Hasidic Judaism. Now, instead of beat boxing in the back of the classroom, he was leaving the classroom to pray on the school's roof. (Religious or not, this guy ain't made for the classrooms.)
While studying at New School, Matisyahu wrote a play entitled "Echad" (One). The play was about a boy who meets a Hasidic rabbi in Washington Square Park and through him becomes religious. Shortly after the play's performance, Matisyahu's life strangely imitated his art. Indeed, years after the initial sparks were lit, Matisyahu met a Lubavitcher rabbi in the park, spurring his transformation from Matthew to Matisyahu.
A person who was once skeptical of authority and rules, Matisyahu began to explore and eventually fully take on the Lubavitch Hasidic lifestyle. He thrived on the discipline and structure of Judaism, making every attempt to abide by Jewish Law. The Chabad-Lubavitch philosophy proved to be a powerful guide for Matisyahu. It surrounded him with the spiritual dialogue and intellectual challenge he had been seeking for the past decade. The turmoil and frustration of his search subsided, and now, 2 years later, Matisyahu lives in Crown Heights, splitting his time between the stage and his yeshiva.
Drawing from the sounds of Bob Marley, Shlomo Carlebach, Buju Banton, and Sizzla, yet remaining wholly original, Matisyahu's performance is an uplifting, powerful experience for all in his presence. Even the most pessimistic in his audience is inspired by his ability to so honestly convey such a delicate topic as faith/spirituality. It is his dedication to his belief and openness to others that compels one to respect his artistry and message. It's in that fleeting moment when our skepticism melts and our souls open up, that Matisyahu enters with his booming sound of faith.
http://www.matisyahuworld.com/
Ayeka
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I will chop them down
Encompass me, but in the name of the Lord
I will cut them down
They push me, they want me to fall
With my back against the wall
My back against the wall
I shall live in the land of the living
I shall not die
I will live in the land of the living
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love
They say man is the lamp of God
Well I'm your fog lights in this journey
Through the smog so write it in the logs
And all the blogs and the streets, write it with your feet
When you walk and you talk through the concrete speak,
Spark seek 'til the end of days
Through all the crazy states I'm amazed
Now let the children "rage"
I shall not die, look into your eyes
And I realize that all I know is gone
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me
Take your blade, rising sun, burns and fades, three long days
Is this your way, here you are, and here I am
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me
The lyrics to Matisyahu's song "Ayeka" are filled with messages of perseverance and faith. In the first stanza, Matisyahu expresses his determination to overcome his enemies and adversities. Despite feeling surrounded and pushed towards his downfall, he asserts his confidence in the Lord to help him overcome his challenges. He acknowledges his back being against the wall and utilizes the strength and faith he receives from the Lord to overpower his enemies. Matisyahu envisions himself living fully in the present and the land of the living, not allowing his opponents to defeat him.
In the subsequent verses, Matisyahu urges the Lord to teach him the art of love, music, and expression. He paints a vivid picture of shooting stars, burning skies, and hard grounds, symbolizing his struggles and challenges. The message is one of perseverance and not giving up in the face of difficulties. He echoes the name "Ayeka" which means "Where are you" in Hebrew, illustrating his search for meaning and purpose in life. The song's overall message is that the Lord will provide strength and guidance to help us overcome our challenges, and we must remain steadfast in our faith.
Line by Line Meaning
All of my enemies, they surround me
I am being surrounded by my enemies
But I will chop them down
Encompass me, but in the name of the Lord
I will cut them down
Despite being surrounded, I will defeat my enemies in the name of the Lord
They push me, they want me to fall
With my back against the wall
My back against the wall
My enemies are pushing me to fail, but I will not give up
I shall not die
I shall live in the land of the living
I shall not die
I will live in the land of the living
I will not die, I will continue living on this earth
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love
I am facing difficult times and I ask for guidance in finding love and meaning in life
They say man is the lamp of God
Well I'm your fog lights in this journey
Through the smog so write it in the logs
And all the blogs and the streets, write it with your feet
When you walk and you talk through the concrete speak,
Spark seek 'til the end of days
Through all the crazy states I'm amazed
Now let the children "rage"
People say that we are here to serve God, and I see myself as a source of guidance in this chaotic world. I will use every opportunity and platform available to spread positivity and inspire others to seek their purpose in life.
I shall not die, look into your eyes
And I realize that all I know is gone
I see my reflection in your eyes and I realize that everything I thought I knew has changed
Take your blade, rising sun, burns and fades, three long days
Is this your way, here you are, and here I am
I see myself as a warrior, embracing the ups and downs of life. I accept my fate and look for strength in the rising sun.
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me
Again, I seek guidance in learning to love and find meaning in life, specifically in relation to my son.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID HOLMES, EPHRAIM ROSENSTEIN, JOSEPH ANTHONY TOMINO, MATTHEW MILLER, STEWART LESLIE BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Lyrics
All of my enemies, they surround me
But I will chop them down
Encompass me, but in the name of the Lord
I will cut them down
They push me, they want me to fall
With my back against the wall
My back against the wall
I shall not die
I shall live in the land of the living
I shall not die
I will live in the land of the living
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love
They say man is the lamp of God
Well I'm your fog lights in this journey
Through the smog so write it in the logs
And all the blogs and the streets, write it with your feet
When you walk and you talk through the concrete speak,
Spark seek 'til the end of days
Through all the crazy states I'm amazed
Now let the children "rage"
I shall not die, look into your eyes
And I realize that all I know is gone
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me
Take your blade, rising sun, burns and fades, three long days
Is this your way, here you are, and here I am
Shooting stars, burning sky, rising with the dawn
Ground is hard, angels cry, son we must move on
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love, teach me to love
Teach me to love
Where are you, o my son, where are you
Ayeka, Ayeka, Ayeka
Teach me
Drew Foster
This song is so powerful for some reason and extremely underrated
Shad Geller
This is such a great album! Def a different sound, but I LOVE IT! I love when musicians evolve and don't just continue to sell the same sound and product! Matisyahu and the band played an amazing show in Flagstaff, AZ at the Orpheum! Such an amazing show! I was entranced for hours watching and listening to the sonic explosion of sound! AMAZING! Please come back to AZ!
Daire Strit
Muito bom. Realmente essa música é muito boa.
Curly Dadan
Can't wait to see you in Flagstaff this week.
Been listening to you for 12 years Matisyahu.
From the original version of Warrior from Shake of the dust.. Arise to Ayeka and till today, your songs guide me to my meditation zone.
I will forever be thankful for your music Mr.Miller
#Matisyahu
Michael Bailey
Wow great song once again will be jamming to this again ... Ayeka!!! Shalom..
Expanding Edge
So good!
Samala Zion
This one’s a banger 💯💃🕺🎉🌲🌊🐺
Amber Greenwald
I love his music sooooooooo much and respect him as a growing artist......however, I'm not going to lie I miss his old music......
Whatsdogpee
What I love most about matis' music is that in his songs, he captures the human experiences so well I feel like some of the lyrics is God talking to him and his listeners.
Ex. Am i the only one that felt this song is actually rather ironic? We all came across the haughty religious dude/dudette (I, too, am one every now and then). Consequently, I dont rly act out of love too often with my enemies, esp when I "chop them down." I hear God tell me though that "Angels cry. Son, We must move on." And I honestly cried and sang louder, "teach me to love."
Long comment I know but...
NO OTHER ARTIST MAKES ME DO THAT!!!! Love matisyahu. :) ... platonically.
Curly Dadan
Dude idk who you are but I deffinitly know how his music impacts you.
since I was a kid back in 2004, Matis's music came around and cradled me like God's will was infused into his music.