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/
I Will Be Light
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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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nice ang ganda talaga ng mga kanta ni MATISYAHU sound trip pa more