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.
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Broken Car
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It don't move fast
But it goes so far
Though you might
Bang your head or scrape your toes
Fred Flinstone
With my feet on
Through the holes
But don't you worry now
Don't you worry
CAuse it will get you there
Where you need to go
Where you need to go
Where you need to go
Over the hillsides and the valleys
Far and wide
Where the sun goes
And the sky it shines
Fire gonna rage tonight
Welcome to my broken home
It's not so fancy
Made from sticks and stones
It's often empty
I hope you like to be alone
You can stare out the window
Until you find your zone
Take cover fromt the bombs and the bullets
Take time to heal your wounds
Forget what they told you now
Just listen on to the tunes
Listenin' to the tune
Welcome to my broken house
You don't have to tip toe here
You can put ya feet down
Feel the floor beneath you
Feel the ground
Don't worry bout the future
You're here right now
Unpack your bags and relax for a while
Rest your weary eyes
I know you've been tired
Where do you need to go
Where you got to be
Where do yu need to go
I'm your taxi
Don't you worry
Don't you worry now
Don't you worry now
Fire gonna rage tonight
Welcome to my broken heart
I know it's hard
Sometimes you fall apart
Welcome to my broken song
Don't worry now baby
You ain't done nothing wrong
Welcome to my broken heart
I know it's hard
Sometimes you fall apart
Welcome to my broken song
Don't worry now baby
You ain't done nothing wrong
Where you need to go
Where you need to go
Where you need to go
Matisyahu's "Broken Car" is a song about welcoming people into his broken world. He makes use of metaphors like his car, home, and heart, to create a sense of comfort and belonging. In the first verse, Matisyahu sings about his broken car that may not move as fast as other vehicles, but it will take you where you need to go. He compares it to Fred Flinstone's car, which required foot power to move. The car represents his life, which may have its flaws, but it still functions and takes him to where he needs to be.
He goes on to talk about his broken home made from sticks and stones that may not be fancy, but it's always open to those in need. The house represents his heart, which may be broken, but it's still welcoming and accepting of others. In the last verse, Matisyahu sings about his broken heart, acknowledging that life can be hard, and sometimes people fall apart. However, he reassures the listener that it's okay because they haven't done anything wrong.
The lyrics convey the message that life may have its challenges, but one can still find comfort and refuge in the brokenness if they allow others into their world. Matisyahu's "Broken Car" is a reminder to embrace imperfections and live in the present, with the hope that things will get better.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to my broken car
Welcome to my imperfect life.
It don't move fast
My life is not moving at the pace I want it to move.
But it goes so far
In spite of difficulties, I have come a long way.
Though you might
Even though you may
Bang your head or scrape your toes
Experience difficulties and obstacles
Fred Flinstone
Like the cartoon character who propelled his car with his feet
With my feet on
I am walking on
Through the holes
The holes in my car, representing my life's imperfections.
But don't you worry now
Despite all this, there is no need to worry.
Cause it will get you there
My life will take me where I need to go.
Where you need to go
Wherever it is that you need to be.
Over the hillsides and the valleys
Through good times and bad.
Far and wide
In all directions.
Where the sun goes
Wherever the sun shines.
And the sky it shines
In the bright and beautiful sky.
Fire gonna rage tonight
There will be struggles, but I will endure and overcome.
Welcome to my broken home
My personal life is not perfect either.
It's not so fancy
It is not grand or glamorous.
Made from sticks and stones
It is humble and simple.
It's often empty
Often lacking human connection.
I hope you like to be alone
It is a part of who I am and requires acceptance.
You can stare out the window
Reflect on your life.
Until you find your zone
In solitude, you can find peace and clarity.
Take cover from the bombs and the bullets
The challenges of life require strength and resilience.
Take time to heal your wounds
Recovery is important.
Forget what they told you now
Ignore the negative things people say.
Just listen on to the tunes
Listen to music and find solace.
Welcome to my broken house
My social life is also not perfect.
You don't have to tip toe here
Be comfortable being yourself in my presence.
You can put ya feet down
Relax and make yourself at home.
Feel the floor beneath you
Recognize and appreciate the simple things in life.
Feel the ground
Connect with the earth.
Don't worry bout the future
Don't concern yourself with the unknown.
You're here right now
Be present in the moment.
Unpack your bags and relax for a while
Stay a while and let yourself unwind.
Rest your weary eyes
Take a break from the stress and rest.
Where do you need to go
Wherever it is you must be in life.
Where you got to be
Where fate has led you to.
I'm your taxi
I will guide you there.
Welcome to my broken heart
Even my emotional life is not always perfect.
I know it's hard
Life can be difficult.
Sometimes you fall apart
Sometimes things become unbearable.
Welcome to my broken song
Sometimes, even the music I make has its flaws.
Don't worry now baby
But there is no need to stress about it.
You ain't done nothing wrong
You are not to blame for the imperfections of life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Holmes, Matthew Miller, STEWART BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Raul Torres Jr
AKEDA has been Matisyahu's best album hands down. So much behind every track. Strong lyrics.
Ozarks Living
One of my top 3 albums of all artist!! No doubt
Michael Brazill
@Marion Sage aaaaaaaaaaaaàaàaàà
Marion Sage
Raul Torres Jr indeed!!
Lorena Ruiz Valderrama
You don't know how much peace your music gives to my soul. Thanks.
iraplikeyoubreathe
Been a fan since 2005. And I enjoy the new songs very much. We all grow and change over time, and I'm glad that his music has been there while I've grown. It's defiantly helped me avoid angers grip when times were tough. So I'll keep listening to him and try to be a better person.
Rotem Adler
One of the most beautiful songs on earth ♥️♥️♥️
Paulo dos Reis
(portuguese) Música muito bem feita e de ótimo arranjo. Parabéns pelo trabalho. Abraço!
Amadeus
Profoundly moving lyrics. Beautiful melody. Simply perfect song.
Andresa André
Lindo clipe e canção. Bem estilo Matisyahu