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/
Open the Gates
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothing i can't do, cause i believe in you
And this world of stress, obstacles and tests
I will do my best, and leave the next world for my rest.
You wanna dance with the devil, tread up on the revel
Livin like a rebel, wanna revel in the treble
While you jump another level, yeah you wanna get high
Sit back and feel nice, carry snakes around your neck
I reckon get born to the life where the mornin shines on
Got to keep your feet up on the ground
When the beat drops down, ain't no time to clown around
This ain't my city, this ain't my town
I'm a stranger in a strange land with a strange sound
Must've been found, been wonderin all around
Time travellin with my crown, buried deep under the ground.
Like david with his stone, knocked goliath of his throne
There's nothing i can't do, when i believe in you
And this world of stress, obstacles and tests
Oh i will do my best, and leave the next world to my rest.
Just like time, i'm on a windy road
Got to get where im going, got to get up and go
Heavy hands we stand, and go for an overflow
I ran the land, just like the ego
In search of the sea, and the sand
But the fire in the sky ran out, mount and scraped the sun
The only light is the one, that shines inside
As the time evaporates, yeah the time goes by
Days move on some come some go
All along i walk with flow
Nowhere i know, nothing at all
When the kingdom falls, still sing to god
Step back and let go of it all
Under attack i learn to stand tall
But the night time stalls, and the sun don't rise and fall.
Like david with his stone, knocked goliath of his throne
There's nothing i can't do, when i believe in you
And this world of stress, obstacles and tests
Oh i will do my best, and leave the next world for my rest.
(awesome and holy jam section)
Urge us to praise, praise, praise, praise, prays, prays...
Open up the gates...
Let my, run him in
Open, open, open, open, open, open, open...
Open up the gates, of righteousness
Ill be comin home...
(some applause)
Open, gates, of righteousness
Ill be comin home...
Open, gates, of righteousness
We'll be comin home...
(more applause)
Babylon your gonna go down down down
Babylon your gonna go down
I said i hear the words our higher man say
Babylon your gonna go down down down
Babylon your gonna go down
Said one bright morning when my work is over, im gonna fly away home
One bright morning when my work is over, im gonna fly away home
I said ill fly, away home, to zion
Fly away home.
I said ill fly away home to zion
Fly away home.
One day...
One day, one day this all will change, treat the people all the same
The lyrics of Matisyahu's song, "Open the Gates" touches on themes of faith, spirituality, and perseverance in the face of adversity. In the first verse, Matisyahu compares himself to David, who with a simple stone was able to take down the supposedly invincible Goliath. Similarly, he invokes a sense of empowerment, believing that with faith, there is nothing he cannot accomplish. He acknowledges the challenges and obstacles of the world and how he is determined to do his best, leaving the rest to the next world. The second verse, on the other hand, talks about the potential temptation of living dangerously and recklessly. He describes the dangers of living like a rebel, seeking only pleasure and instant gratification without considering the consequences. He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and being aware of the choices one makes. The final verse brings everything together, talking about the passage of time and the importance of perseverance in life. The repeated refrain of "Open the gates of righteousness" and "I'll be coming home" expresses his desire to connect with something greater than himself, to find spiritual fulfillment and meaning in life.
Overall, the song is a powerful expression of faith, resilience, and the search for hope in the face of life's uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
Like david with his stone, knocked goliath of his throne
Just like how David defeated Goliath with a stone, I can conquer any challenge because of my faith in you.
There's nothing i can't do, cause i believe in you
Because I have faith in you, I am certain there is no obstacle too big for me to overcome.
And this world of stress, obstacles and tests
The world is full of difficult challenges, but I know I can get through them.
I will do my best, and leave the next world for my rest.
I will do my best to handle the challenges of this world and look forward to the peace of the next world.
You wanna dance with the devil, tread up on the revel
You want to live a rebellious life, partying in the presence of evil.
Livin like a rebel, wanna revel in the treble
You want to live a life of rebellion and partying, enjoying loud music.
While you jump another level, yeah you wanna get high
You want to elevate your experience, getting high off drugs or other substances.
But dont wanna pay the price, wanna slice through the night
You want to enjoy the pleasures of the night without facing the consequences of your actions.
Sit back and feel nice, carry snakes around your neck
You want to feel relaxed and at ease, even if it means taking on dangerous things like snakes.
I reckon get born to the life where the mornin shines on
You were meant to live a life fully illuminated by light and positivity.
Got to keep your feet up on the ground
You need to stay grounded and focused on your goals despite any temptations around you.
When the beat drops down, ain't no time to clown around
When it's time to get serious, there's no room to play or be foolish.
This ain't my city, this ain't my town
I am living in a place that feels foreign and strange to me.
I'm a stranger in a strange land with a strange sound
I am feeling isolated and different from those around me, with a unique viewpoint or voice.
Must've been found, been wonderin all around
I must have been discovered, as I have been wandering far and wide.
Time travellin with my crown, buried deep under the ground.
I am on a journey through time, carrying my burdens with me, but they are buried deep within me.
Just like time, i'm on a windy road
Like the passage of time, I am navigating a path that is often unpredictable and twisted.
Got to get where im going, got to get up and go
I am determined to reach my destination, and I am committed to taking action.
Heavy hands we stand, and go for an overflow
Despite feeling weighed down, we remain steadfast and persevere through our struggles, seeking abundance in the end.
I ran the land, just like the ego
I navigated the land with confidence and pride, like an inflated ego.
In search of the sea, and the sand
I am on a quest to find tranquility and peace in nature, by the ocean or the shore.
But the fire in the sky ran out, mount and scraped the sun
The passion and excitement I once had are fading away, and it feels like the world is growing darker and less hopeful.
The only light is the one, that shines inside
The only hope and guidance we have comes from within ourselves.
As the time evaporates, yeah the time goes by
As time passes, it feels like it is slipping away and going too quickly.
Days move on some come some go
The days continue to pass, some better than others, and some just gone without leaving a mark.
All along i walk with flow
Despite the challenges, I continue to walk forward and live my life authentically and authentically.
Nowhere i know, nothing at all
Despite my wanderings and life experiences, I feel like I still have much to learn and much to explore.
When the kingdom falls, still sing to god
Even when everything around us feels like it's crumbling or falling apart, we must continue to have faith.
Step back and let go of it all
Sometimes, we must step back and detach ourselves from what is happening around us to gain clarity and perspective.
Under attack i learn to stand tall
Even when we are struggling or under pressure, we can learn to be strong and resilient.
But the night time stalls, and the sun don't rise and fall.
Sometimes, it feels like we are stuck in the dark, without the hope that a new day will come.
Urge us to praise, praise, praise, praise, prays, prays...
Encouraging us to celebrate and appreciate the goodness in our lives.
Open up the gates...
Asking for access to freedom and opportunity.
Let my, run him in
An invitation to accept the divine presence.
Open, open, open, open, open, open, open...
Asking for the path to higher consciousness to be opened up.
Open up the gates, of righteousness
Asking for access to a more righteous way of life.
Ill be comin home...
Looking forward to a future that feels more like home.
Babylon your gonna go down down down
Even the most powerful empires will eventually fall.
I said i hear the words our higher man say
I am listening to the teachings of our spiritual leaders and mentors.
Said one bright morning when my work is over, im gonna fly away home
Anticipating a time when our earthly duties are done and we can finally rest in peace.
I said ill fly, away home, to zion
I envision a future where I can find peace and belonging in a spiritual community.
One day...
Holding onto hope that the world will change and there will be a better future for all.
One day, one day this all will change, treat the people all the same
Imagining a future where everyone is treated equally, without prejudice or discrimination.
Contributed by Reagan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
101
Amo esta canción. No me canso de escucharla aunque pasen los años, todo lo contrario, cobra más valor con el paso de ellos. Shalom desde Chile!
Shabowski
Saw him last night in Spokane absolutely life changing the man is a lyrical wordsmith with a soul of gold and dance moves of a G
AgilityAddict56
Saw him live about four days ago at the Newport Music Hall; dude is amazing. He crowd surfed and pulled everyone up on stage at the end, pretty cool(:
Sezzera
Big love for uploading this Matis song.. Thank you, thank you.. Shalom x
NeoVictoria2
Open up the gates of righteousness I will go thru them. Open up the gates of righteousness I will come home!
FortyNine
Loved this entire album
DreamIntoHarmony
Such a great song. I love his voice. Seen him at red rocks 2 years ago. Love it!!!!
cierrannette
their is an old hymn i'll fly away laced in this song, grew up listening to my grandma sing it. Mati your a blessing. peace & love.
Albertina Camus
I love the voice and the guitar sounds
FortyNine
I saw him in Atlanta opening for 311 a while back. His opening act was better than the entire 311 concert. Luckily I got to see his actual concert a couple years later. AMAZING