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/
Fire of Freedom
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fan the flame from the fire of freedom
Fan the flame from the fire of freedom
From out of the fire into the flame
Burnin' motherland we be goin' insane
Tough like a truck keep me comin' through the rain
Got me comin' when I'm runnin' out yet I'm feelin' OK
Take you on a vacation from the pain
Rollin like thunder like a runaway train
Let me take you on an escapade
I say oh ye oh ye oh oh,
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh ye oh ye oh oh,
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I'm keep on goin' keep on rising
Elevate your mind it's all in the timing
Light up the freedom flame
Open up the skies your highway
Keep it goin' till we reach the right way
Light up the freedom flame
I got roots like a tree holdin' me down
With my eyes on the sky but my feet on the ground
And the people they'll come when they wanna gather round
'Cause they hear some distant sound
Split the sea jump in with me
Tonight we leave in the streets we scream
Freedom
I said let it all ring
I said let it all ring
Oh ye oh ye oh oh,
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh ye oh ye oh oh,
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I'm keep on goin' keep on rising
Elevate your mind it's all in the timing
Light up the freedom flame
Open up the skies your highway
Keep it goin' till we reach the right way
Light up the freedom flame
Once I was in the dungeon
Now I can taste my freedom
I'm seein' rainbows and rays of light
These are the things make me feel alright
Airtight outta sight like in the lime light
When you answer it right it's bound to be alright
When the train hits on the time track
The hurricanes back and I'm goin' till the lights fade black, fade black,
Fade black
Let it all rain now
Keep on goin' keep on rising
Elevate your mind it's all in the timing
Light up the freedom flame
Open up the skies your highway
Keep it goin' till we reach the right way
Light up the freedom flame
Clear the way
My love is coming through
Ignite the flame
My light will shine for you
Fight the night and do what I got to do
Kiss the sky to prove myself
Clear the way
My love is coming through
The darkness was sparkling in a hundred paths
Narrow long roads
The house of the world was made
"Fire of Freedom" by Matisyahu is a song that celebrates freedom and encourages listeners to fan the flame of the fire of freedom. The song encourages people to keep moving forward, rising up, and elevating their minds to reach their goals. The lyrics are also about overcoming challenges, with Matisyahu asserting that he has roots like a tree holding him down but his eyes on the sky - this speaks to the idea of persevering through hard times in order to experience freedom and growth.
The "fire of freedom" is a metaphor for the power of unity and resistance against oppression. In the first verse, Matisyahu sings about burning the motherland, going insane, and coming through the rain, while the second verse describes a journey to freedom through splitting the sea, screaming in the streets, and tasting one's freedom. The song is a powerful call to action that encourages people to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. Matisyahu's lyrics are strong and bold, and the music is energetic and uplifting, making "Fire of Freedom" a song that inspires listeners to keep striving for their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Fan the flame from the fire of freedom
Encourage and intensify the passion for freedom.
From out of the fire into the flame
Emerging from the trials and hardships to embrace the challenge.
Burnin' motherland we be goin' insane
The country is in chaos due to the ongoing struggles for freedom.
Tough like a truck keep me comin' through the rain
With the strength and resilience of a vehicle, I persist even when things get difficult.
Got me comin' when I'm runnin' out yet I'm feelin' OK
Even when I'm exhausted, I still have the motivation to keep going.
I'm the kind of man make you fly like a plane
I have the power to uplift and inspire others to seek their own freedom.
Take you on a vacation from the pain
Freedom brings relief from the hardships and suffering of oppression.
Rollin like thunder like a runaway train
The fight for freedom is unstoppable and gaining momentum.
Let me take you on an escapade
Come with me on a journey to freedom.
I'm keep on goin' keep on rising
I continue to persevere and make progress towards freedom.
Elevate your mind it's all in the timing
A change in perspective can be powerful and timing is key for achieving freedom.
Light up the freedom flame
Ignite the passion for and pursuit of freedom.
Open up the skies your highway
Clear the way for freedom to take flight and soar.
Keep it goin' till we reach the right way
Continually strive towards finding the right path towards freedom.
I got roots like a tree holdin' me down
My heritage and values keep me grounded and rooted in my pursuit of freedom.
With my eyes on the sky but my feet on the ground
I have a lofty goal in mind but remain practical and focused on the present.
And the people they'll come when they wanna gather round
Others will join me in my pursuit of freedom when they are ready.
'Cause they hear some distant sound
The call for freedom reverberates and draws others to join the cause.
Split the sea jump in with me
Together, let's break down barriers and overcome obstacles to achieve freedom.
Tonight we leave in the streets we scream
On this night, we take to the streets and demand freedom with a unified voice.
Freedom
The ultimate goal and ideal that drives the pursuit of justice and equality.
Once I was in the dungeon
I was once oppressed and trapped.
Now I can taste my freedom
I am getting closer to realizing my dream of freedom.
I'm seein' rainbows and rays of light
With freedom in sight, I am filled with hope and positivity.
These are the things make me feel alright
The prospect of freedom brings comfort and reassurance.
Airtight outta sight like in the lime light
I am confident and shining brightly, like a star in the spotlight.
When you answer it right it's bound to be alright
With the correct approach, the pursuit of freedom is destined to succeed.
When the train hits on the time track
When the moment is right, the movement for freedom gains momentum.
The hurricanes back and I'm goin' till the lights fade black, fade black, fade black
Even in the midst of chaos and destruction, the will for freedom burns bright and endless.
Let it all rain now
Let the passion and pursuit of freedom reign freely and boldly.
Clear the way
Remove the obstacles standing in the way of freedom.
My love is coming through
My passion and dedication for freedom is evident and unstoppable.
Ignite the flame
Start the movement and passion for freedom.
My light will shine for you
The fire and passion for freedom spreads and illuminates others.
Fight the night and do what I got to do
Persist through the hardships and negative forces to achieve freedom.
Kiss the sky to prove myself
Take bold action to prove the passion for freedom and make it a reality.
The darkness was sparkling in a hundred paths
Despite the many possible paths, the passion for freedom remains bright and clear.
Narrow long roads
The path towards freedom may be difficult and arduous.
The house of the world was made
The world was created and structured with limitations and restrictions on freedom.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Allan Peter Grigg, Matthew Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Anthony Hingpit
dati, may 3,000+ na music ako sa sd card ko,, pero nung marining ko ung kanta ni matisyahu, particularly, yung one day,, i deleted it all, and replace it with almost all of the songs of matisyahu . .and it happened 4 years ago,but until now . .still, im a big matisyahu fan!! ganda kasi ng messages ng kanta ni MATISYAHU!! walang ibang songs yung palylist ko, kundi matisyahu lang lahat . .
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Brittany Dishong
Didn't have music in boot camp, but Matisyahu's lyrics stuck in my head is what helped me power through. Love this guy <3
David White
This song, as well as the entire album, is amazing. He's found and refined his inner voice and speaks from the seat of his soul, you can hear it in every note. Refreshing, unique, strange, and absolutely beautiful. May your words find eager ears wherever they may roam, light fires in as many hearts as need, and may you find all of which you seek, along your path back home. Blessed are they who when hearing the calls and wails of lost souls reach out a hand to help whomever they might may.
nancy harrison
Matisyahu's music still inspires me every time I hear it. Wether it's new or old. He is a phenomenal lyricist and a true leader. Him and his music inspires me in my Jewish faith, and as a person. (:
David White
Thank you for spreading your message and sharing these songs. This album has no doubt spoken to so many souls crying out for substance, depth, and truth. Like nectar from a higher plane, reminding to love and look within. Your words carry such power, they seem to come only from a place of knowing and peace. I think that when an artist speaks without ego the inner spark has a chance to smile. You must be letting yours grin wide and full. Thanks for sharing your light!
Saralu5
Es un temazo!! Matisyahu ven a España, sería el mejor concierto de mi vida. El directo de este enorme artista lo merece.
celerino jallorina
i love their songs.. its very inspiring to those who seek freedom, peace and love.. i hope everyone will appreciate what they want to say through their songs ^_^
Christian C.
This man is living proof that you can be anything you really want. Just keep your mind, and share your heart.
Spursy McSpursson
Matisyahu is one of the realest, most inspirational artists out right now.
bdizz77
He just did a free concert here in Denver.. I was like 15 feet from him. Not many people there....Sad.. He's so good.
Madster Moo
Thankyou. You made me realize not to hold on to the pain others have caused me. I forgave my bullies because of you.