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/
Water
Matisyahu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I give myself to you because you treat me right
Put my trust in the world and the world gets tight
Shift my trust to you it's like a crystal clear night
Expand in all directions get the sections to unite
Hashem's rays fire blaze light my way light of my life
And these days well wait no longer night
reaching for my G-d like skyscrapers in the night
Internalize torah vibes bound to feel alright
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Soaring to shamayim (Heaven) where the angels call in love
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
Hashem rules the world and Israel is his wife
Love you yes my G-d with all my heart my soul and my might
When I feel you by my side yes I'm flying like a kite
You open up my eyes and give me sight
Super energized and everyday I feel you give me life
I seen the ways of the world intoxifying on pride
Young man don't you know drugs impurify your mind
When Israel left mitzrayim four fifths got left behind
If you got no water how you gonna survive
Roots lead you to the well springs so you could stay alive
Pharaoh claimed to be a G-d and claimed to make the Nile
A crocodile could smile and show his teeth
You could see beauty shining externally but that's the story of Greece
Inside America bleeds, Israel won't you get up from your knees
Its just lies in disguise Torah's truth won't you please realize
Given to the humble one on Mt. Sinai
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Soaring to shamayim (Heaven) where the angels call in love
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
Shma why'sroel, Hashem Elokainu, Hashem Echad
(Hear Israel, the lord is our G-d, the lord is one)
The world could just crumble to dust its just us it's not two it's just one
The middle road called truth, Torah you sooth my brain bruise
Open up peruse with knowledge of G-d
And move up an arousal from below till the secrets start to ooze
Don't snooze it's pure light the most high wants us alive
What's the proof?
We got life!
Chabad philosophy that's the deepest well-spring
Gaining knowledge of G-d while your gaining money
Fill up yourself with the light of his majesty
In a world of separation that's the only way to be
It's time we leave we won't flee just walk out easily
If you got no water how you gonna survive
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Soaring to shamayim (Heaven) where the angels call in love
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
In this song, Matisyahu is expressing his reliance on God to fulfill his needs and give him guidance. He acknowledges that the world can be full of disappointments, but putting his trust in God brings clarity and peace. Matisyahu uses powerful metaphors throughout the song to describe his connection to God, including being quenched like a thirsty soul, soaring like a dove to the heavens where the angels call in love, and seeing the beauty shining externally but recognizing that true beauty comes from Torah's truth.
The lyrics also touch on various themes of Jewish heritage and faith, including the importance of Torah study, Israel as God's wife, and the significance of leaving Egypt in Jewish history. Matisyahu warns against the dangers of drugs and pride, pointing to the importance of maintaining a clear mind and humble heart in order to connect with God.
Line by Line Meaning
You quench my thirsting soul and you fill my appetite
You satisfy my spiritual needs and fulfill my desires.
I give myself to you because you treat me right
I surrender to you because you always treat me well.
Put my trust in the world and the world gets tight
When I rely on worldly matters, everything becomes difficult.
Shift my trust to you it's like a crystal clear night
But when I place my faith in you, everything becomes clear and easy like a calm night sky.
Expand in all directions get the sections to unite
As I embrace you, I become more encompassing and can bring different parts of myself together.
Hashem's rays fire blaze light my way light of my life
Your divine guidance illuminates my path and is the essence of my existence.
And these days well wait no longer night
In these times, I won't delay seeking you until darkness falls.
reaching for my G-d like skyscrapers in the night
I reach out to you with all my might, like towering structures in the night skyline.
I said I know its hard inside is empty galus (Exile) cuts like a knife
I acknowledge that it's tough to feel empty inside, especially during times of exile when it's painful like a sharp knife.
Internalize torah vibes bound to feel alright
But when I immerse myself in the teachings of the Torah, I'm sure to feel better.
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
There's a constant vortex of reverence that flows from Earth to Heaven.
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
In this whirlwind, I soar like a bird with ease.
Soaring to shamayim (Heaven) where the angels call in love
I ascend to Heaven where the angels praise and love you.
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
In this realm of holiness, the majesty of your essence fits perfectly.
Hashem rules the world and Israel is his wife
You govern the world and regard Israel as your beloved partner.
Love you yes my G-d with all my heart my soul and my might
I express my unconditional love for you with all the depths of my being.
When I feel you by my side yes I'm flying like a kite
Being close to you makes me feel light and free, like a soaring kite.
You open up my eyes and give me sight
You illuminate my perspective and grant me clarity.
Super energized and everyday I feel you give me life
In your presence, I feel rejuvenated and inspired each day.
I seen the ways of the world intoxifying on pride
I've witnessed the allure of worldly things that can be detrimental if one becomes too arrogant.
Young man don't you know drugs impurify your mind
I advise young people not to engage in drug use as it clouds their judgment.
When Israel left mitzrayim four fifths got left behind
During the Exodus, only a fifth of the Israelites left with Moses, while many others stayed behind due to their reluctance to leave.
If you got no water how you gonna survive
Having no water is a life-threatening situation, without which survival is impossible.
Roots lead you to the well springs so you could stay alive
Following one's roots leads to essential sources, like water springs, that are crucial for survival.
Pharaoh claimed to be a G-d and claimed to make the Nile
Pharaoh had a god complex, believing he could control the Nile river.
A crocodile could smile and show his teeth
Even the most dangerous creatures can appear harmless with their smiles.
You could see beauty shining externally but that's the story of Greece
Outward beauty can be deceiving, as exemplified by ancient Greek culture.
Inside America bleeds, Israel won't you get up from your knees
The United States has its own internal issues, but Israel needs to stop being so subservient and take action.
Its just lies in disguise Torah's truth won't you please realize
The world is filled with falsehood, but recognizing and adhering to the truths of the Torah can lead to a better reality.
Given to the humble one on Mt. Sinai
The Torah was given to Moses, who was known for his humility, on Mount Sinai.
Shma why'sroel, Hashem Elokainu, Hashem Echad
The Jewish declaration of faith in one G-d.
The world could just crumble to dust its just us it's not two it's just one
Even if the rest of the world ceases to exist, the bond between G-d and the Jewish people will remain unbroken.
The middle road called truth, Torah you sooth my brain bruise
The path of truth found in the Torah is the perfect medium, providing comfort and healing to the mind and soul.
Open up peruse with knowledge of G-d
By absorbing knowledge of G-d, one's mind can explore and learn endlessly.
And move up an arousal from below till the secrets start to ooze
By elevating oneself from a lower state, one can gradually uncover the hidden secrets of G-d and the universe.
Don't snooze it's pure light the most high wants us alive
Stay awake and aware to the divine light, as G-d desires us to live life to the fullest.
What's the proof?
How can this be proven?
We got life!
The evidence is that we are alive!
Chabad philosophy that's the deepest well-spring
The teachings of Chabad are the most profound source of understanding.
Gaining knowledge of G-d while your gaining money
One can increase wealth while simultaneously obtaining a deeper knowledge of G-d.
Fill up yourself with the light of his majesty
Absorb yourself with the sublime emanations of the divine essence.
In a world of separation that's the only way to be
In a world that constantly divides, the only way to live is in unison with the eternal.
It's time we leave we won't flee just walk out easily
It's the moment to depart, but not in haste, instead with quiet confidence and ease.
If you got no water how you gonna survive
Again, having no water is dire, threatening the possibility of survival.
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
The vortex of reverence continues to spiral from Earth to Heaven.
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Once more, I soar with the agility and gentleness of a dove.
Soaring to shamayim (Heaven) where the angels call in love
Ascending towards Heaven, where celestial messengers exalt in love and praise.
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
Once again, the splendor of your divine essence is a flawless match for this realm.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@twentyfour4784
HINANAP DIN NG MGA TAO SI/ANG
You quench my thirsting soul and you fill my appetite
I give myself to you because you treat me right
Put my trust in the world and the world gets tight
Shift my trust to you it's like a crystal clear night
Expand in all directions get the sections to unite
Hashem's rays fire blaze light my way light of my life
And these days well wait no longer night
reaching for my G-d like skyscrapers in the night
I said I know its hard inside is empty galus (exile) cuts like a knife
Internalize torah vibes bound to feel alright
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Soaring to shamayim (heaven) where the angels call in love
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
Hashem rules the world and Israel is his wife
Love you yes my G-d with all my heart my soul and my might
When I feel you by my side yes I'm flying like a kite
You open up my eyes and give me sight
Super energized and everyday I feel you give me life
I seen the ways of the world intoxifying on pride
Young man don't you know drugs impurify your mind
When Israel left mitzrayim four fifths got left behind
If you got no water how you gonna survive
Roots lead you to the well springs so you could stay alive
Pharaoh claimed to be a G-d and claimed to make the Nile
A crocodile could smile and show his teeth
You could see beauty shining externally but that's the story of Greece
Inside America bleeds, Israel won't you get up from your knees
Its just lies in disguise Torah's truth won't you please realize
Given to the humble one on Mt. Sinai
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Soaring to shamayim (heaven) where the angels call in love
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
Shma Y'sroel, Hashem Elokainu, Hashem Echad
(Hear Israel, the lord is our G-d, the lord is one)
The world could just crumble to dust its just us it's not two it's just one
The middle road called truth, Torah you sooth my brain bruise
Open up peruse with knowledge of G-d
And move up an arousal from below till the secrets start to ooze
Don't snooze it's pure light the most high wants us alive
What's the proof?
We got life!
Chabad philosophy that's the deepest well-spring
Gaining knowledge of G-d while your gaining money
Fill up yourself with the light of his majesty
In a world of separation that's the only way to be
It's time we leave we won't flee just walk out easily
If you got no water how you gonna survive
Whirlwind of praise from below to above
Take flight in the sky got wings like a dove,
Soaring to shamayim (heaven) where the angels call in love
And the glory of Hashem fits like a glove
@thepapag2012
This man has saved more lives than he will ever know....
@whb1968
I couldn't agree more 💖🙌🙏
@larissinha-ej3wk
❤
@kimberlymoxley104
🙏💜🙏
@zacharylee9764
He saved mine
@amberm5998
What a beautiful thing to say!❤
@Chloe8704
Yesterday I felt so upset and nervous because of many things. But listening to this song 3 or 4 times helped me to calm down. I love this song soooo much!!!
@manuela.8676
"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants". Isaiah 44:3
@user-tw8bp3yq8s
I won't when terrorist don't allow it to terrorize the people. There is aquifers in gaza. Won't support my enemy, only enemy because they chose to be.
@dreggmcmuffin5179
This song is perfect and clearly a work of God