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/
Two Child One Drop
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
World goes blind while the boy is lying
The house is burnin the children mourning their father's death
While world it keeps turning
One more day of pain has passed
While he lies in the sand on his back
Lookin' through the cracks in the sky sunsets
The desert stretches on for one more day
The girl pleads to him don't go away
His lips they move but got nothing to say
Stares blankly threw her face
Recollection of his brothers as they played
The world is black the earth is cracked
A child with no arms lyin on his back
No where to go in the middle of this cold
In the middle of this earth spinnin out of control
Did I have moments that were worth living for
I took the gun they gave me through it down on the floor
They chopped off my arms threw me out of the door
I am a murderer
I'm runnin in the desert runnin into the the sun
Runnin out of blood and I'm goin' numb
I'm runnin and you're runnin
And we're runnin and we're runnin' on empty
I'm runnin in this maze till I reach the sea
My heart burns up inside of me
Burnt and charred from this desert heat
My heart burns up inside of me
And the pain with in is the pain outside
The desert right here is a reflection of my life
Just as brutal as I am the sun me and the desert we are one
I am a murderer
Only the dead souls know I'm alive
They want me to lie down by their side
These are the demons that passed through my life
That killed me over a thousand times
I don't run I don't flee I don't fight
I don't make fun but don't flex my might
I don't act dumb but don't shine my light
I sit down on the ground till the time is right
They seek my demise and rely
On my dark side to give into the night
All those desperate ghosts stuck souls trapped in black holes
Became wearwolves stolen souls wanna see me bleed
It's a new day a new way,
It's gone it's dooms day for those who hold on to old ways
Your grip is so strong you choke and you swallow
And leave the place torn
So tread lightly no need to fight me
No need to be right it's so frightening
Soul like dust and flash like lightning
I slip through your grip cause you hold so tightly
I didn't stop nah I'm just becoming
I'm not finished nah I'm just arriving
I'm not done don't know where I'm going
Not afraid not to know and keep growing
Once you know you're dead and not living
And that's the wisdom to know while your breathing
The lyrics to Matisyahu's song "Two Child One Drop" describe a bleak and desolate world in which the singer is struggling to survive. The world is in chaos, with death and destruction all around. The boy is lying on his back in the sand, looking up at the sky as the sun sets. The desert stretches out endlessly, and the singer is running, trying to escape the pain and the demons that haunt him.
As the song progresses, the singer reveals that he is a murderer, haunted by the demons of his past. He has been rejected by society and is pursued by those who seek his demise. But despite all of this, he will not give up. He sits down on the ground and waits until the time is right to continue on his journey, to keep growing and evolving.
The lyrics are full of powerful imagery and symbolism. The desert represents both the physical wasteland in which the singer finds himself and the emotional wilderness of his own mind. The sun is a constant presence, burning brightly and mercilessly, much like the singer's own inner turmoil. The ghosts and demons that plague the singer are both literal and metaphorical, representing the past that he cannot escape.
Overall, "Two Child One Drop" is a deeply introspective and poignant song that explores themes of loss, pain, and the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is dyin' the world is cryin'
The world is in chaos and everyone is suffering.
World goes blind while the boy is lying
People are ignoring the problems while someone is in need.
The house is burnin the children mourning their father's death
Amidst all the problems in the world, families are still grieving their own losses.
While world it keeps turning
Despite all the problems, the world keeps moving on.
One more day of pain has passed
Time is passing, but it doesn't make the pain go away.
While he lies in the sand on his back
Someone is helpless and unable to improve their situation.
Lookin' through the cracks in the sky sunsets
Even amidst difficulty, there is beauty to be found.
And all drowns in twilight
Despite the beauty, everything is still overshadowed by the dark times.
The desert stretches on for one more day
The place of hardship and suffering keeps going.
The girl pleads to him don't go away
Someone is desperately trying to hold onto something or someone they love.
His lips they move but got nothing to say
Someone is unable to express themselves or communicate in their situation.
Stares blankly threw her face
The situation is so overwhelming, someone can't even focus on who's in front of them.
Recollection of his brothers as they played
Memories of happier times provide brief comfort from the current suffering.
The world is black the earth is cracked
Everything feels broken, empty, and like it's falling apart.
A child with no arms lyin on his back
The injustice and suffering of others is overwhelming.
No where to go in the middle of this cold
There is no escape from the pain, and nowhere to turn for help.
In the middle of this earth spinnin out of control
The chaos of the world is consuming everything, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Did I have moments that were worth living for
Even in the midst of hardship, some moments can make life worthwhile.
I took the gun they gave me through it down on the floor
Someone rejects the violence and destruction they've been a part of.
They chopped off my arms threw me out of the door
Someone becomes a victim of the violence they rejected.
I am a murderer
Someone carries the guilt and trauma of the violence they've been a part of.
I'm runnin in the desert runnin into the the sun
Someone is trying to escape their problems and find hope.
Runnin out of blood and I'm goin' numb
The effort to escape the pain is taking a toll on someone's physical and emotional well-being.
I'm runnin and you're runnin
Everyone is struggling in their own way.
And we're runnin and we're runnin' on empty
Despite the effort, progress feels futile and nothing is getting better.
I'm runnin in this maze till I reach the sea
Someone is searching for an escape, even if it feels impossible.
My heart burns up inside of me
The pain and desperation feel overwhelming.
Burnt and charred from this desert heat
The hardship of the situation has taken a toll on someone.
The pain with in is the pain outside
The internal pain is reflected in the external world.
The desert right here is a reflection of my life
The desert - with its harshness, emptiness, and isolation - is a metaphor for someone's life and struggles.
Just as brutal as I am the sun me and the desert we are one
Someone feels they are as harsh and unforgiving as the environment they're in.
Only the dead souls know I'm alive
One's struggles and pain are only understood by others who have also suffered.
They want me to lie down by their side
Those who have suffered and died themselves want someone to join them in death.
These are the demons that passed through my life
The pain and trauma someone has experienced have left lasting scars and made them feel haunted.
That killed me over a thousand times
The emotional toll of the hardship feels like repeated deaths.
I don't run I don't flee I don't fight
Someone isn't trying to escape their problems, nor are they confronting them head-on.
I don't make fun but don't flex my might
Someone isn't trying to hurt anyone, but isn't trying to prove their strength either.
I don't act dumb but don't shine my light
Someone isn't ignorant or foolish, but isn't making an effort to stand out or impress anyone either.
I sit down on the ground till the time is right
Someone is waiting for the right moment or opportunity to make a change or take action.
They seek my demise and rely
Others are trying to bring someone down, and are relying on their flaws to do so.
On my dark side to give into the night
Others are trying to push someone to their worst impulses to make them lose control.
All those desperate ghosts stuck souls trapped in black holes
Others around are themselves suffering and struggling, and are trying to drag someone else down with them.
Became wearwolves stolen souls wanna see me bleed
Others are lashing out and trying to do harm to someone for their own benefit or satisfaction.
It's a new day a new way,
Despite all the hardship, there is always a chance for change and a new direction in life.
It's gone it's dooms day for those who hold on to old ways
Change can only come, however, if people are willing to let go of old habits and ways of thinking that aren't working.
Your grip is so strong you choke and you swallow
Holding onto things too tightly can actually cause harm and prevent progress.
And leave the place torn
The consequences of refusing to change can be destructive and cause further harm to oneself and others.
So tread lightly no need to fight me
Change is possible, but it's important to do it gently and with care, rather than with aggression or force.
No need to be right it's so frightening
Admitting you're wrong or need to change can be scary, but it's necessary for growth.
Soul like dust and flash like lightning
People may feel small and insignificant, but they have the potential to create powerful change.
I slip through your grip cause you hold so tightly
When people hold too tightly to things or thinking, they fail to see opportunities or growth.
I didn't stop nah I'm just becoming
People continue to change and grow throughout their lives.
I'm not finished nah I'm just arriving
The journey is ongoing, and every day is an opportunity for growth.
I'm not done don't know where I'm going
The future is uncertain, and people are continuing to learn and explore their paths.
Not afraid not to know and keep growing
It's okay to not have all the answers, as long as people are willing to continue growing and learning.
Once you know you're dead and not living
Stopping growth and progress means a person is no longer truly living.
And that's the wisdom to know while your breathing
Recognizing the importance of growth and change is key to living a fulfilling life.
Contributed by Reagan G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Feiwbl
I must of replayed this song a thousand times, genius.
@shmuelhirsch2069
Holy hell. This is an absolute masterpiece.
@SuhoPak
I get a divine sense of peace and tranquility from this.
@gloiresancelmenijebariko4847
Do u know why?
If not please look deep inside of the creation..of yourself..nekuda ha lev May God guide u.
@Karma0777
lovely amazing and inspiring. matisyahu is outstanding international musician. and Yehuda Solomon from the moshav doing great job there . i love all their music
@cnn108
In a Starpulse interview Matisyahu said this song was about Darfur.
however I believe its meaning is even beyond that. Its a masterpiece
@brainphreak
This song is a masterpiece
@Anddists
I love this From Arg Jah bless💕
@NNov1996
Luv this Sephardi influence song. So dope
@TrueRattlehead
wish he had more songs like this one