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/
Love
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't keep up and you know it's true
I know sometimes I've been down so blue
But it's not about that 'cause you know what to do
Not about the he said, she said, you said, I said
Not about the show, not about the flow or the song I write
Early days and the late late night
I'm on my way to you
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Believe in love, yeah
Now I'm free
It's not about the trains, or the planes or the automobiles
This is about the way that you make me feel
Swear of lies, this is something real
Said some things but it's time we heal
It's not about the fast life in my past life
I asked you to be my wife
I know sometimes this love it cuts like a knife
But I want to end this strife
I'm on my way to you
I'm on my way to you
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Believe in love, yeah
Now I'm free
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Believe in love, yeah
Now I'm free
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Believe in love, yeah
Now I'm free
In "I Believe in Love," Matisyahu reflects on his past experiences while expressing his strong faith in love. The song begins with him admitting to struggling to keep up with someone he was pursuing, someone who knows how to keep him grounded. He acknowledges that he's been through tough times, but he believes that this person is worth fighting for. The lyrics then speak to what love is and is not about. It's not about material possessions, but the way that they make him feel. They've shared past experiences, and while they've had their share of arguments and obstacles, Matisyahu believes that it's time to heal and move forward together.
Matisyahu believes that love is his reason for being, and that their relationship brings him freedom. He repeats the phrase "I believe in love," expressing the depth and certainty of his convictions. He believes that love is an elevated experience, sittin' so high in the tree, and that his relationship sets him free.
The song is a hopeful and personal love song, and the lyrics reflect the challenges that Matisyahu has gone through. Despite these challenges, he holds on to his faith in love and his desire to be with this person. It's a raw and honest portrait of the struggles that come with love, but also a testament to the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
And I remember when I was running after you
I recall chasing you at some point in the past
Can't keep up and you know it's true
I could not maintain the pace, and you knew it
I know sometimes I've been down so blue
I am aware that I have been very sad at times
But it's not about that 'cause you know what to do
However, that is not significant since you know how to assist
Not about the he said, she said, you said, I said
This is not about hearsay or gossip between us
Not about the show, not about the flow or the song I write
This is not about my performance, delivery or music
Early days and the late late night
This is about when our relationship was developing, in the early days and late nights
I'm on my way to you
I am traveling in your direction
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I have faith in love, which rests atop a tall tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Love is my purpose, and you are the reason for that
Believe in love, yeah
I truly believe in love, indeed
Now I'm free
I am liberated now
It's not about the trains, or the planes or the automobiles
This is not about any transportation we use
This is about the way that you make me feel
This is all about the emotions you evoke within me
Swear of lies, this is something real
There may have been deceit in the past but what we have is authentic
Said some things but it's time we heal
We may have said or done hurtful things, but it's time to forgive and recover
It's not about the fast life in my past life
This isn't about the speedy lifestyle I have previously led
I asked you to be my wife
I proposed to you, asking you to marry me
I know sometimes this love it cuts like a knife
I understand that this love can be painful at times
But I want to end this strife
But I wish to put an end to the conflict and tension between us
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I have faith in love, which rests atop a tall tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Love is my purpose, and you are the reason for that
Believe in love, yeah
I truly believe in love, indeed
Now I'm free
I am liberated now
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I have faith in love, which rests atop a tall tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Love is my purpose, and you are the reason for that
Believe in love, yeah
I truly believe in love, indeed
Now I'm free
I am liberated now
I believe in love, sittin' so high in the tree
I have faith in love, which rests atop a tall tree
I believe in love, you're my reason to be
Love is my purpose, and you are the reason for that
Believe in love, yeah
I truly believe in love, indeed
Now I'm free
I am liberated now
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Cloud9
Written by: Allan Peter Grigg, George Pimentel Alves Bezerra, Matthew Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matilongo Bongo
La MEGA rompió con esta canción !!!
Que ricura bailar en las mañanitas primeras de la primavera de Israel .
Hace años llevo de andar escuchando este pibe y solo hasta ahora por primera vez me cayo esta joya del cielo.
Agh que buena está como para echarse un porrito y bailar bajo los rayos del sol
Algo está fallando en el algoritmo de YouTube...
Marco Ortegon
Ew oh oh oh ya When you're down on the ground but you can't stop feeling. Hearts cut open and you can't stop bleeding. Try to make it back but she still is leaving. Feel like you got nothing left to believe in. Stop Relax Keep on breathing
Hit the deck with my hands to the ceiling.
Turn around till I get that feeling. Love born from pain is the real thing. The real thing. Ah The real thing Oh mamo Oh ya Now I rock to the roll and I roll with a quickness. Sickest lyrics that you ever did witness. Misfits and wondering souls get witness.
Lost in the dark I'm a lying in the distance.
Dark knight fighting with a fistful of tactics.? Crack this, cold, I'm sharp like a cactus. Grown in the desert get knocked off your axis. Taxed your soul, you're cut off balance. Sun moves open as i drive her Brooklyn. Put the seat back now bout to get took and crooks and theives try to sink their hooks. Take my shit, must stab must took. Need for another man, I'm a champion. Classic Chevy so low that I scrape the ground. You're a goblin feeding off my mini Gram, trying to look tough but she riding in a minivan. Love born from pain is the real thing. The real thing Love born from pain is the real thing. Whoa oo oo oo ya The real thing The real thing The real thing The real thing I'm an old-school hippie bread from Berkeley Montessori til 5 when my folks move 45 from New York City. White Plains is the City backdrops for the sory. Where I formed for the glory, got sores in my psyche, where I rocked my first Nike. And I got my first groupies. Watch my first movie, spaceballs and the Goonies. You're a goonie Goonie Like a movin bobbin and boblins up and down in the water. Got your dudes bobbin boppin up n down while I rock it. Got your body formin circles. Tryin to move it, blood rushin. Drop Like a rock concussion Like a quarter in a meter count your blessings. blessings... let's do bass... lets do bass... blessings... Love born from pain is the real thing... the real thing... the real thing... Is there only one way to survive Is there only one to live .?. (one truth when up there, when on stage... Now that. y. make it up to...) Dry bones in the desert be back for more. In the spirit of the fight you got to get that pure. Got to find my place, got to get more. Want to stay young or ... the logics the logics oo oo Brooklyn Let's do bass Brooks . brothers Blah Blah
natasalataa
When you're down on the ground but you can't stop feeling. Hearts cut open and you can't stop bleeding. Try to make it back but she still is leaving. Feel like you got nothing left to believe in. Stop Relax Keep on breathing
Hit the deck with my hands to the ceiling.
Turn around till I get that feeling. Love born from pain is the real thing. The real thing. Ah The real thing Oh mamo Oh ya Now I rock to the roll and I roll with a quickness. Sickest lyrics that you ever did witness. Misfits and wondering souls get witness.
Lost in the dark I'm a lying in the distance.
Dark knight fighting with a fistful of tactics.? Crack this, cold, I'm sharp like a cactus. Grown in the desert get knocked off your axis. Taxed your soul, you're cut off balance. Sun moves open as i drive her Brooklyn. Put the seat back now bout to get took and crooks and theives try to sink their hooks. Take my shit, must stab must took. Need for another man, I'm a champion. Classic Chevy so low that I scrape the ground. You're a goblin feeding off my mini Gram, trying to look tough but she riding in a minivan. Love born from pain is the real thing. The real thing Love born from pain is the real thing. Whoa oo oo oo ya The real thing The real thing The real thing The real thing I'm an old-school hippie bread from Berkeley Montessori til 5 when my folks move 45 from New York City. White Plains is the City backdrops for the sory. Where I formed for the glory, got sores in my psyche, where I rocked my first Nike. And I got my first groupies. Watch my first movie, spaceballs and the Goonies. You're a goonie Goonie Like a movin bobbin and boblins up and down in the water. Got your dudes bobbin boppin up n down while I rock it. Got your body formin circles. Tryin to move it, blood rushin. Drop Like a rock concussion Like a quarter in a meter count your blessings. blessings... let's do bass... lets do bass... blessings... Love born from pain is the real thing... the real thing... the real thing... Is there only one way to survive Is there only one to live .?. (one truth when up there, when on stage... Now that. y. make it up to...) Dry bones in the desert be back for more. In the spirit of the fight you got to get that pure. Got to find my place, got to get more. Want to stay young or ... the logics the logics oo oo Brooklyn Let's do bass Brooks . brothers Blah Blah
8SteveGerrard8
This reggae-dub-hip hop stuff is awesome. You should drop an album with this theme. Keep on doing what you're doing!
Mike Tank
His songs are powerful and I think there's more to them than people currently realize...
Matilongo Bongo
La MEGA rompió con esta canción !!!
Que ricura bailar en las mañanitas primeras de la primavera de Israel .
Hace años llevo de andar escuchando este pibe y solo hasta ahora por primera vez me cayo esta joya del cielo.
Agh que buena está como para echarse un porrito y bailar bajo los rayos del sol
Algo está fallando en el algoritmo de YouTube...
Matilongo Bongo
Que mejor que empezar una mañana con esto!
Sus canciones siempre llevan mensajes muy poderosos para esta vida que aveces no es dulce ..
AVJR
This has become one of my favorite songs. It has an organic vibe to it. Keep it up, Matisyahu! God bless. Stay strong. :)
JC Owens
Matisyahu is one of my favorite singers
Emissary Of Elohim
אמן. שלום אח.
Dromomaníaca
obrigada, Deus por me proporcionar uma musica dessas e obrigada por ter criado o Matis ♥
joldhamable
"Love born from pain is the real thing"
Leave it to Matisyahu to come up with some insightful lyrics like that. The guy never misses a beat with his art. It's just sad some people can't see it.
Jodi Michelle Schoenherr
joldhamable ☝🏿. 🎁👋🏼❤️Ⓜ️🏡