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/
Happy Hanukkah
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Today is the day, tonight is the night
High and twinkling, and swindling and a shooting in the sky
Iโm shining, and Iโm feeling alright
Lite a candle for the one you love
Peace and light from below to above
Eight nights, celebrate till I flying in the sky like a dove
Let me unwind as I light up a flame in the name of the Lion of Judah
Drop like a hammer when I fall like the rain sun shower
Feel the power when I hit like a train
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
To get into the cosmos flows in top
When I write to excite, now Iโm fighting back
Intertwined with the divine, itโs a battle to the spine
Itโs a battle from the ancient line
Son of King David, Maccabee till the end of time
Youโre my light in this hardest time
Yes you bring piece to my mind
Wonโt you please let me unwind
As I light up a flame in he name of the Lion of Judah
Drop like a hammer when I fall like the rain sun shower
Feel the power when I hit like a train
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Celebration, get your hands up high, get your hands up high
Celebration, get your hands up high, get your hands up high
Celebration,
Celebration-bration-bration-bration
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Celebration, get your hands up high, get your hands up high
Celebration, get your hands up high, get your hands up high
Celebration,
Celebration-bration-bration-bration
The lyrics in "Happy Hanukkah" by Matisyahu illustrate the Jewish holiday's spirit of giving and love. The song expresses the desire to spread joy and happiness to others during the eight nights of Hanukkah celebrations. The giving of gifts is an essential part of this holiday, and Matisyahu captures this in the lyrics when he says, "I wanna give a gift to you." The song also emphasizes the importance of bringing light into one's life, both in a literal sense through the lighting of candles, and metaphorically through sharing love and positivity.
The lyrics also mention the historical significance of the holiday, referencing Mount Zion and the Maccabees, who fought for religious freedom and light during the dark times of oppression. Throughout the lyrics, Matisyahu emphasizes the importance of the "Lion of Judah" and the divine, intertwining with the ancient battle lines and the significance of King David's lineage.
Overall, "Happy Hanukkah" is a song full of love, hope, and celebration. It encourages the listener to take part in the festivities and to spread joy and positivity to others.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
The singer is expressing their care for the listener and their desire to offer a gift specifically for the occasion of Hanukkah.
Light up the night, my love shine through
The singer wants to spread joy and positivity, shining a light in the darkness to bring light and hope to those around.
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Referencing the Jewish holy site of Mount Zion, the singer emphasizes the importance of bringing love to others as a central theme of the holiday.
Today is the day, tonight is the night
The artist is acknowledging the significance of the moment, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and savoring the holiday spirit.
Sons of twilight had done come along, take flight
The artist references the Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire, in which the Maccabees were able to take back religious freedom for the Jewish people.
High and twinkling, and swindling and a shooting in the sky
Describing the beauty of the Hanukkah lights, the singer is reveling in the sparkling beauty and wonder of the holiday atmosphere.
Iโm shining, and Iโm feeling alright
The singer is feeling energized and happy, enjoying the holiday and its festivities.
Lite a candle for the one you love
Referencing the tradition of lighting candles on each night of Hanukkah, the artist encourages listeners to take time to appreciate those they love.
Peace and light from below to above
The artist is expressing a hope for peace and light, both in the physical world and also in a spiritual sense.
Eight nights, celebrate till I flying in the sky like a dove
Referencing the eight nights of Hanukkah, the artist is expressing a desire to celebrate to the fullest and to experience the joy of the holiday fully.
Let me unwind as I light up a flame in the name of the Lion of Judah
The singer is taking a moment for personal reflection and meditation, lighting a candle in honor of the Lion of Judah and embracing the spiritual aspects of the holiday.
Drop like a hammer when I fall like the rain sun shower
The artist is feeling powerful and triumphant, ready to take on challenges and overcome obstacles.
Feel the power when I hit like a train
Continuing the theme of feeling strong and in control, the singer emphasizes their confidence and force of will.
Celebration, get your hands up high, get your hands up high
The singer is urging those around them to embrace the spirit of celebration, raising their hands and exulting in the joy of the moment.
Celebration-bration-bration-bration
Repeating the word 'celebration' to emphasize the importance of the holiday and the need to embrace its joy and wonder.
Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Allan Peter Grigg, Matthew Miller, Sam S Hollander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Words and Messages77
This song makes me happy and bringsย a smile and joy to my heart.ย I love the words and the beat/melody. It's awesome and very fun. :-)
Happy Hanukkah
I wannaย give a gift to you
Light up the nights
My love shine through
From Mount Zion
This is what we do
Bring love to you
Ibramoka0102
I am a Muslim and I love this song, I do not care where you get the most important is that all religions are friends
Barbara Seper
God bless you
Mendel Dukes
God Bless you
Shake the Jake
Respect!
Rhonda Heim
Perhaps You are called to YAHUAH, And didn't realize it?
Elizabeth Berndt: This & That
Much love to all my Jewish friends this Hanukkah ! Blessings !
Fiona Brock
Itโs Hanukkah today and this is still a hit โค๐
undercat96
I'm a Christian But i love this song.
Alejandro Toro
omg so special
Cutlass Ken
Same here. I just love the beat.