Matisyahu told Starpulse.com (Source I Will Be Light Songfacts): "A lot of … Read Full Bio ↴Matisyahu told Starpulse.com (Source I Will Be Light Songfacts): "A lot of this record is about my growing up and becoming more mature and one of the central themes is that everyone deals with the idea of death and recognizes that a person has a limited amount of time in this world. You may feel that it's going on forever, but if you just step back and look in the context of space and time you see that your life is just that, a flash of light and then it goes out. That's the central theme of this song. A tiny moment in the time of a life to shine and burn away the darkness."

I Will Be Light
Matisyahu Lyrics

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Sit back, in these days
Remember my ways
Oh, will I ever get out of my cage?
Yes, I am a slave

Searching for some freedom
Searching for some freedom

So intend to sing them
Songs to spark memory
What is a man with no history?
Who am I?
Where am I?
What is this place?
We're just spinning in space

I will be light
I will be light
I will be light
I will be light, oh mama, light some

Time will continue without you
So in the end
It's not about you
But what did you do?
Who do you love besides you?
Beside you, many died in the name of vanity
Many die, in their mind's eye, for justice
We die for you
And still do, so I say to you
This is nothing new

I will be light, oh mama
I will be light
I will be light, hey mama
I will be light

One tiny moment in time
For life to shine, to shine
Burn away the darkness, you got

One tiny moment in time
For life to shine, to shine
Burn away the darkness, you got one tiny moment in time
For life to shine, to shine
So burn away the darkness, you got one tiny moment in time
For life to shine, to shine
So burn away the darkness, said one tiny moment in time

I will be light

I will be light, now, oh mama
I will be light, light some

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Matisyahu's song "I Will Be Light" have a spiritual theme and are about self-discovery, freeing oneself from confinement, and finding purpose in life. The opening lines reflect a sense of struggle and a search for freedom. The singer is looking for a way out of his bondage, and he invokes memories of a better time when he was not confined. The lyrics dwell on the questions of identity, one's place in the universe, and what we contribute to life.

The chorus, “I will be light,” is a recurring message of the song, and the singer is declaring his intention to shine, to be a beacon of hope or positivity to others. The second verse emphasizes that our lives should not only be about ourselves but also about serving others and leaving a positive impact. The last lines of the song encourage listeners to make the most of their time and shine their own light.

In essence, the song's message is about seeking a purpose beyond oneself, being aware of our history as individuals and humanity, and illuminating the world positively. Perhaps, the song's uplifting nature is a reflection of the singer's Jewish faith, which emphasizes hope, positivity, and self-sacrifice.

Line by Line Meaning

Sit back, in these days
Take a moment to reflect on the present time

Remember my ways
Remember how I used to be

Oh, will I ever get out of my cage?
Wondering if I'll ever break free from my current situation

Yes, I am a slave
I feel trapped and powerless

Searching for some freedom
Looking for a way to escape and be free

Searching for some freedom
Continuing to search for a way out

So intend to sing them
I plan to sing songs that will remind people of the past

Songs to spark memory
Songs that will help people remember important things

What is a man with no history?
A person without a past is missing an important part of who they are

Who am I?
Questioning my identity and place in the world

Where am I?
Wondering about my physical location or my place in life

What is this place?
Questioning the meaning and purpose of my surroundings

We're just spinning in space
Realizing that we are a small part of the universe

I will be light
I will be a positive force or influence

I will be light
Reiterating my goal to be a positive force in the world

I will be light
Continuing to affirm my intention to bring light to dark situations

I will be light, oh mama, light some
Asking for support and encouragement from others to be a positive influence

Time will continue without you
Time does not wait or stop for anyone

So in the end
Ultimately

It's not about you
Life is not solely about the individual

But what did you do?
Asking what actions were taken to make a difference

Who do you love besides you?
Questioning what other people or causes are loved and supported

Beside you, many died in the name of vanity
Many have died for trivial or selfish reasons

Many die, in their mind's eye, for justice
Many people believe in dying for a just cause

We die for you
Others have sacrificed their lives for people they care about

And still do, so I say to you
People will continue to put themselves in harm's way for others

This is nothing new
Sacrificing for others has been happening for a long time

One tiny moment in time
The present moment is fleeting

For life to shine, to shine
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest

Burn away the darkness, you got
Eliminate negativity and bring light to dark situations

I will be light
Repeating my goal to be a positive force in the world

I will be light, now, oh mama
Emphasizing the importance and urgency of being a positive influence

I will be light, light some
Encouraging others to join in spreading positivity and light

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Martin Kahne, Matthew Miller, Rosenstein Ephraim, Trevor Hall

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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