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/
Star On The Rise
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Time to land the spaceship
Heavy hitter, duckin' punches, fightin' the enemy
Who is the enemy? Can I survive me?
I'm goin' in, I'm goin' under
Touch like lightning, roar like thunder
My legs are shaky - will I make it?
I can't lie anymore, I can't fake it
Crack open, learn to take it
Pullin' the rake over my heart, I can taste it
Going in circles, return to the burn
Am I moving forward? What have I learned?
Give glory to the heavens and the earth
I walk the dirt and flirt with death
Taste the breath of the devil while you move with the rest
More or less it's time we score
We won this test so let your chest take a rest
And let your breath be the sound
That lets us nest in the sound and then drowns in the now
It's the light of the first 6 days of creation
How far can you go?
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
I try to keep my focus in this field of locusts
Many winds blowin' but that's all hocus pocus
Decipher the truth from the lie
Especially in regards to how it lies upon the inside
Quick now tell the guards
I'll be running with no pauses
I write to ignite dead souls that's my cause
Drop like the jaws, feel the fury from my claws
10 years gone by, I been out on tours
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
The lyrics in Matisyahu's "Star on the Rise" appear to be about someone who is preparing to face their inner demons and overcome their personal struggles. The opening lines "Lace 'em up, shadow boxing in the basement, speed bag / Time to land the spaceship" set the tone for the entire song, as the person is mentally preparing themselves to "land the spaceship" and face their struggles head-on.
The lyrics also touch on themes of self-doubt and questioning one's ability to overcome their struggles, as seen in the lines "My legs are shaky - will I make it? / I can't lie anymore, I can't fake it / No more runnin', I can't take it / Crack open, learn to take it." However, despite these doubts, the person seems determined to push through and come out on the other side of their struggles.
The chorus of "Flames on the horizon / Them keep realizing / There's a star on the rise again" reinforces the idea that the person is on the cusp of overcoming their struggles and rising up stronger than ever before.
Overall, "Star on the Rise" is a powerful anthem for anyone who is going through a difficult time and needs to find the strength within themselves to keep pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Lace 'em up, shadow boxing in the basement, speed bag
I am preparing myself for a challenge, training my mind and body to be quick and agile.
Time to land the spaceship
It is time to arrive at my destination, to complete the journey I am on.
Heavy hitter, duckin' punches, fightin' the enemy
I am fighting against a formidable foe, dodging their punches and fighting back with my own.
Who is the enemy? Can I survive me?
I am questioning whether the enemy I face is external or internal, and questioning my own ability to overcome it.
I'm goin' in, I'm goin' under
I am diving deep into a challenging situation.
Touch like lightning, roar like thunder
I am powerful and quick, my impact is felt strongly.
My legs are shaky - will I make it?
I am uncertain if I have what it takes to overcome this challenge.
I can't lie anymore, I can't fake it
I must be honest with myself and others about my true abilities and feelings.
No more runnin', I can't take it
I cannot continue to avoid facing my challenges, I must confront them head on.
Crack open, learn to take it
I must open myself up to the pain and struggle of growth, to learn from it and become stronger.
Pullin' the rake over my heart, I can taste it
I am deeply feeling the pain and struggle within myself, but I am using it to cultivate growth.
Going in circles, return to the burn
I am experiencing setbacks and failures, but I am persevering and returning to the struggle.
Am I moving forward? What have I learned?
I am reflecting on my progress and development, wondering what I have gained from my experiences.
Give glory to the heavens and the earth
I am acknowledging the power of the natural world and the divine in guiding me on my journey.
I walk the dirt and flirt with death
I am exploring the dangerous and unknown, taking risks and facing the possibility of failure.
Taste the breath of the devil while you move with the rest
I am experiencing temptation and darkness, but I am moving forward with the rest of humanity.
More or less it's time we score
It is time to achieve success, to score a victory in our ongoing struggles.
We won this test so let your chest take a rest
We have overcome this challenge, let yourself relax and breathe easy.
And let your breath be the sound
Focus on your breathing, let it guide you and relax you in this moment.
That lets us nest in the sound and then drowns in the now
Let the sound of your breath anchor you in the present moment, drowning out distractions and worries.
It's the light of the first 6 days of creation
This moment is imbued with the divine energy and light that created the world.
How far can you go?
How much further can you push yourself, how much more can you accomplish?
Flames on the horizon
There is trouble ahead, danger is approaching.
Them keep realizing
Others are also becoming aware of the approaching danger.
There's a star on the rise again
Despite the danger and uncertainty, there is hope and promise for the future.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Espana
Lace'm up
Shadow boxin
In the basement
Speed bag
Time to land the spaceship
Heavy hitter
Duck'n punches
Fight'n the enemy
Who is the enemy
Can I survive me
I'm goin in
I'm goin under
Touch like lightning
Roar like thunder
My legs are shaky
Will I make it
I can't lie anymore
I can't fake it
No more runnin'
I can't take it
Crack open
Learn to take it
Pullin' the rake over my heart
I can taste it
Going in circles
Return to the burn
Am I moving forward
What have I learned
Give glory to the heavens to the earth
I walk the dirt and flirt with death
Taste the breath of the devil while you move with the rest
More or less it's time we score
We won this test so let your chest take a rest and let your breath be the sound that lets us nest in the sound then drowns in the now
It's the light of the first 6 days of creation
How for can you go
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
I try to keep my focus
In this field of locusts
Many winds blown but that's all hocus pocus
Decipher the truth from the lie
Especially in regards to how it is inside
Quick now tell the guards
I'll be running with no pauses
I write to ignite dead souls that's my cause
Drop like the jaws
Feel the fury from my claws
10 years gone
I been out on tours
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Flames on the horizon
Them keep realizing
There's a star on the rise again
Zach Good
This is my favorite song of all-time. Every time I listen to it, I close my eyes and envision my dream life. It gives me a kind of motivation I can't put into words.
Audrie G*
this song is the most amazing song to hear in concert...love this man amazing
Chelsey
Audrie Reyes yessss it so so is. my favorite at the show by far. felt it so hard
Michael Bailey
Awesome lyrics love this song , dope song man.
Salt of the Earth
just read the song's lines. I love your ability to gather a poetic story line, along with your magical voice of what universal truth is. to you its all a spiritual journey and awakening, so thank you that make me go deeper into my inner self keep searching for the light and yes its hard to keep on this path in our 3 dimensional world, the story line is just keep add it , it will break soon, and then a balance of 3rd and 4th and possible 5th(depending on the sage your in) will come down, or better yet, we will go up in vibration. a star will rise. happy that you are out there opening and holding light for all others. your music reflects how much work you have done. beautiful!
Jodi Michelle Schoenherr
Mayra Galvan beautiful ❤️
Words and Messages77
Matisyahu, I'm listening to the words in this song. If you feel like you can't deal with the lies or you can't decipher the truth from the lie, remember to "Surrender." Sometimes the best way to slay a dragon is with love. It turns him from nasty into kind. And that "dragon" is anything you imagine it to be, so imagine a kind one not a mean one and you will have peace in yourself. We all have dragons to slay, they are internal, but you are also in control of what kind of dragon he is, kind or mean. So just chose to make him kind and then ride on his back and fly and let him take you places you couldn't go on your own. Remember this is "your" imagination, not anyone else's. :-) Christine
Leah Powell
I like to listen to this one in the morning, before I leave for the day.
WickedEnlightened
That's Awesome! When he started with this song during the concert I went to..It was so Epic and Magical.
richard richnák
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