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/
Close My Eyes
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on a train brain vexed connect and the I feel blessed
Whether day or night I'm on the street midtown New York City
Let me stop praise your name I need room to breath
I want to feel your ease; I got to feel your peace
Screaming' down on my, because my insides bleed
My hearts on fire witnessed all the vampires
Yes I came hear on a to inspire
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best everything will be all right
Introspect connect the sect's and let this music make you fly
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best everything will make
I listened' to the wind whistle in a channel of sound
My ear like a vacuum begin to boom
Glisten like the sun heats a drum,
Cursing' all of them doomed rising' up from the ground
Growing full like the moon
I'm planting like a seed yes sir
Them get up and get up and grow and I'm firm like a tree,
Well I know that's all I know,
That some their colors wonderful like it was a rainbow
Let me tell you one time if you didn't know
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm making you fly
Make, making you fly, make, making you fly
Make make you fly, make make fly
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting you high
Bob Nesta said it best everything will be all right
Me see you run, run, run but you could not hide
I know I'm crazy mothers would never run from inside
And try to keep me down, them a sin on Jah
An' dem know! That them folks, put 'em in a fire
They just type and can't see, open up your eyes
Every politician is a human in disguise
They say them a tease and the waves is rough,
And it won't come my way
Hop in the zed, and jump to time to work and it nah time to play
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm making you fly
In Matisyahu's song Close My Eyes, the artist is acknowledging his need for spiritual guidance and support. He asks for God's blessings to follow him wherever he goes, whether on a train or walking the streets of New York City. He recognizes the turmoil within him, but also feels blessed by the connection he shares with a higher power. The artist portrays his desire to find inner peace and stability amidst the conflicts within and around him, invoking Bob Marley's assurance that everything will be all right. The artist also discerns the deceitful nature of human beings, using metaphors of politicians hiding behind facades, and people like vampires who dwell within an illusion.
The lyrics portray the internal confusion and chaos of the artist's life, largely seen in his struggles with addiction, which he has often spoken about in interviews. The perception of the artist's surroundings is blurred, and he yearns for a sense of serenity and tranquillity that he believes can only come from a spirit-filled life. He calls on God to bless him, even though he may be on a train, in a city or country far from home.
The song Close My Eyes offers listeners an insightful and thought-provoking message about seeking deeper meaning and purpose in life. It advises people to look beyond the illusions that exist in this world and to acknowledge that there is a higher power guiding them. The song serves as an instrument of inspiration and hope, reminding listeners that everything will be all right if they remain steadfast in their faith and spiritual beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
See no matter where I am bless me with all your light,
I ask for divine light and guidance wherever I go, no matter what my challenges may be.
I'm on a train brain vexed connect and the I feel blessed
My mind may be troubled while riding on a train, but I still feel blessed by the divine connection.
Whether day or night I'm on the street midtown New York City
I find myself in the hustle and bustle of midtown New York City day or night.
Let me stop praise your name I need room to breath
I take a moment to stop and give praise to the divine, as I need to catch my breath and find peace.
I want to feel your ease; I got to feel your peace
I seek a sense of ease and peace that can only come from a greater source.
Screaming' down on my, because my insides bleed
My inner pain causes me to scream out for help and healing.
My hearts on fire witnessed all the vampires
I have seen and experienced great evil in the world, which has ignited a flame within my heart.
Yes I came hear on a to inspire
I believe I was brought to this world to inspire others through my experiences and connection to the divine.
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
I close my eyes to go on an internal journey, seeking greater understanding and connection to the divine.
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
As I journey inward, I feel uplifted and elevated by the divine breeze.
Bob Nesta said it best everything will be all right
As Bob Marley once sang, everything will be all right in the end, and I trust in this message of hope and positivity.
Introspect connect the sect's and let this music make you fly
Through introspection and connection to the divine, I invite others to join me in elevating themselves through the power of music.
I listened' to the wind whistle in a channel of sound
I pay attention to the natural world around me, finding meaning and inspiration in the sounds of the wind.
My ear like a vacuum begin to boom
As I listen deeply, my ear becomes like a vacuum, taking in and amplifying the sounds around me.
Glisten like the sun heats a drum,
The beauty of the natural world around me glistens and shines, much like the sun's rays lighting up a drum.
Cursing' all of them doomed rising' up from the ground
I curse the forces of darkness and evil in the world, and vow to rise up against them from the ground up.
Growing full like the moon
As I strive for greater understanding and connection to the divine, I feel like I am growing and expanding, much like the full moon in the sky.
I'm planting like a seed yes sir
I am actively planting new ideas and perspectives within myself, like seedlings in fertile soil.
Them get up and get up and grow and I'm firm like a tree,
As I embrace growth and change, I become more firmly rooted in my values and beliefs, like a strong tree.
Well I know that's all I know,
I am aware of my limitations and acknowledge that there may be much I do not know or understand about the world.
That some their colors wonderful like it was a rainbow
I recognize and celebrate the diversity of people in the world, much like the array of colors in a beautiful rainbow.
Let me tell you one time if you didn't know
I want to share a piece of knowledge or wisdom with others, in case they may not already be aware of it.
Me see you run, run, run but you could not hide
I observe people trying to escape their problems, but ultimately realizing that they cannot hide from themselves and their struggles.
I know I'm crazy mothers would never run from inside
I acknowledge that others may view me as crazy or different, but I have the strength to face my internal struggles head-on.
And try to keep me down, them a sin on Jah
Those who attempt to keep me down or hold me back are committing a sin against the divine.
An' dem know! That them folks, put 'em in a fire
Those who seek to harm or oppress others will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, like being thrown into a fire.
They just type and can't see, open up your eyes
Some people may be blinded by ignorance or narrow-mindedness, and I encourage them to open up their eyes and see the truth of the world.
Every politician is a human in disguise
I recognize that even those in positions of power and authority are ultimately just human, and may have their own struggles and limitations.
They say them a tease and the waves is rough,
Those in power may claim to be testing or challenging others, but the reality is that the world can be difficult and full of challenges.
And it won't come my way
Despite external challenges, I remain steadfast in my beliefs and convictions, and will not be swayed by the negativity or opposition of others.
Hop in the zed, and jump to time to work and it nah time to play
I am ready to jump into action and do the hard work necessary to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the world.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATTHEW MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bright Real The Prince
Said no matter where I am, bless me with all your light
I'm on the train, brain vexed connect, and then I feel blessed
Whether day or night, I'm on the street, midtown New York City
Let me stop praise your name, I need room to breathe
Wanna feel your ease I got to feel your peace
Screaming, down on my, because my insides bleed
I said my heart's on fire witnessed all the vampires
Yes, I came here, honor, to inspire
Said I close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best, everything will be all right
Introspect, connect the sects and let this music make you fly
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best, everything will make ya, ya, ya
I listened' to the wind whistle in a channel of sound
My ear like a vacuum begin to boom, glisten
Like the sun heats a drum
Cursing' all of them doomed rising' up from the ground
Growing full like the moon
Said I'm planting like a seed yes sir, them get up and get up and grow
Firm like a tree
And I know that's what I got so some of their colors wonderful like it was a rainbow
Let me tell you one time and I give ya if you didn't know
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm making you fly, make-making you fly
Make-making you fly, make-making you fly
Make-make you fly, make-make fly
I said I close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best, everything will be all right, hey
Introspect, connect the sects and let this music make you fly
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, making you fly
Make-making you fly, yea, oh
blessedandres
No matter where I am, bless me with all your light
I'm on the train, brain vexed connect, and then I feel blessed
Whether day or night, I'm on the street, midtown New York City
Let me stop praise your name, I need room to breath
I want to feel your ease; I got to feel your peace
Screaming, down on my, because my insides bleed
My hearts on fire witnessed all the vampires
Yes I came hear on a to inspire
[Hook]
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by yo I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best everything will be all right
Introspect connect the sect's and let this music make you fly
I listened' to the wind whistle in a channel of sound
My ear like a vacuum begin to boom
Glisten like the sun heats a drum
Cursing' all of them doomed rising' up from the ground
Growing full like the moon
Said I'm planting like a seed yes sir
Them get up and get up and grow and I'm firm like a tree
Well I know that's all I know
That some their colors wonderful like it was a rainbow
Let me tell you one time if you didn't know
[Hook]
Moonlight enlighten my way at twilight
From the heights of my roof I send praise then poof
I'm looking up at the night
And ask for help to get up and get up and get up and get up and get it right
Jerusalem you take me high make me fly like arrow in the sky
Sauce Arsonist
Why does nobody mention how good the band is?
Caboose02301
This is my favorite live album. Ever.
Mr. Hotdog Shirt Guy
Matisyahu is best live. You haven't experienced his music until you've felt it in person.
Gabriel Sousa
Brasil 🇧🇷 Matisyahu Forever !!
Cristina Cartweels
Best rendition of this song. I went to see him in Nashville and Chattanooga this year on the Forest of Faith Tour and he was awesome but his style has changed. Still an amazing artist but I loved his earlier stuff.
Chabi
Great artist, Love the way he equals all human beings, no matter of skin color, religion, language or what ever, Matisyahu does great music, especially live compared to other artists. Respect from Egypt!
Carlos Vega
No conocia este artista ...
Excelente música me conecto cuando lo escucho 👏👏👏👏 grande matisyahu.....
Bright Real The Prince
Said no matter where I am, bless me with all your light
I'm on the train, brain vexed connect, and then I feel blessed
Whether day or night, I'm on the street, midtown New York City
Let me stop praise your name, I need room to breathe
Wanna feel your ease I got to feel your peace
Screaming, down on my, because my insides bleed
I said my heart's on fire witnessed all the vampires
Yes, I came here, honor, to inspire
Said I close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best, everything will be all right
Introspect, connect the sects and let this music make you fly
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best, everything will make ya, ya, ya
I listened' to the wind whistle in a channel of sound
My ear like a vacuum begin to boom, glisten
Like the sun heats a drum
Cursing' all of them doomed rising' up from the ground
Growing full like the moon
Said I'm planting like a seed yes sir, them get up and get up and grow
Firm like a tree
And I know that's what I got so some of their colors wonderful like it was a rainbow
Let me tell you one time and I give ya if you didn't know
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm making you fly, make-making you fly
Make-making you fly, make-making you fly
Make-make you fly, make-make fly
I said I close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, I'm getting' you high
Bob Nesta said it best, everything will be all right, hey
Introspect, connect the sects and let this music make you fly
Close my eyes and take a ride inside
Feel the breeze blow by, making you fly
Make-making you fly, yea, oh
bobby fistacuffs
this album is a masterpeace! peace \/
Heidi Kyro
Ten years passed easily and I still find myself here.