With Ashlee’s Americana-rock influences an Jimmy’s Irish-folk roots, Matrimony blends modern anti-folk and indie rock in their debut EP “The Storm & The Eye” produced by Joel Khouri of Bright City Studios and self-released to critical acclaim in August, 2010.
Following the release, Matrimony toured across the country and shared the stage with acts including Mumford & Sons, Gillian Welch, Modest Mouse, Langhorne Slim and Nathaniel Rateliff.
In early 2011, Jordan, Alex and Shae joined Matrimony. With a common passion for songwriting and an original sound, the line up became complete.
Ashlee Hardee Brown - lead vocals and keys
Jimmy Brown - lead vocals and guitar
Jordan Hardee - mandolin, synth, banjo
Alex Watson - drums
Shae Wooten - bass
http://matrimonyband.bandcamp.com/
2. "Zeb Olsen recruited a bunch of cute art students, encouraged a noisy DIY punk ethic based on bands such as Pussy Galore and Beat Happening, and the cute but completely inexperienced art students took to their instruments. One misguided pop journalist known as David Nichols financed an album recording in 1989 and vinyl version of Kitty Finger was released and distributed by Waterfront Records. The band played some woeful and some inspiring shows in Sydney and imploded, as all the best bands do at one point. Kathleen Hanna, friend and band budddy of Zeb and longtime fan of Matrimony, facilitated the re-release of Kitty Finger on the Kill Rock Stars label in 1997. Lead singer and guitarist Sybilla Visalli ended her own life for reasons unknown in 1993 or 1994 or sometime around then. Shit. I should remember. Here's singer guitarist Polly's take on our history: "Zeb Olsen & I started ‘Matrimony’ in the summer of 1988, gosh, almost 20 years ago! I remember we used to rehearse at the ‘pie factory’ off Palmer St. in Darlinghurst. Our first attempts at song writing were with a drum machine then Stuart, Zeb’s brother played with us. A couple of rehearsals later my friends Sybilla, Michael & Dani joined ‘Matrimony’ was born. We really thought it was just for fun. At closer inspection it was a reaction to the men in bands all around us and how cool and untouchable they were to me as inner city rock stars. This was probably due to the heroin abuse and ‘boy’s club mentality’ of the time. I suppose, dare I say ‘Matrimony’ was my 18 year old’s take on feminism (Oh God)! Our gig’s were disastrous. God knows how we got any. The first was at the ‘Palace’ with ‘Lubricated Goat’ and other’s. I sang, oh fuck! I remember the motley crue of ‘men in bands’ (see above) egging us on and applauding us. Before every show Sybilla and I would get together work out what we were going to wear. That night in a wave of nerves we would innocently perform to a highly judgemental audience. Eventually we did get better and put out an album ’Kitty Finger’. I am immensely proud of this. It’s like my long lost baby years. A golden era of Sydney that does not exist any more. By 1990 it was over. A ‘rock & roll suicide’ touched us in 1992 with Sybilla’s death. I cried for a year. Love, Polly"" via Matrimony's bio at http://www.myspace.com/matrimony
Obey Your Guns
Matrimony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If seeing is believing then we've nothing left to hope for
I know you don't see me cos you're looking right through me
I know you're still haunted by things that you're seeing
When you're young, got to obey your guns you got to obey your guns cos when you're old it will all be done
Follow your longing and swallow your feeling
When you're young, got to obey your guns you got to obey your guns cos when you're old it will all be done
The lyrics of Matrimony's song "Obey Your Guns" seem to deal with questions of purpose and direction in life. The opening lines: "I don't know where I'm going to but are you coming with me / If seeing is believing then we've nothing left to hope for," suggest a sense of aimlessness or uncertainty about the future, but also the possibility of finding meaning and direction through shared experience. The singer is addressing someone who is not fully present or engaged: "I know you don't see me cos you're looking right through me / I know you're still haunted by things that you're seeing." The final stanza, "Look for the color whenever you're dreaming / Follow your longing and swallow your feeling / When you're young, got to obey your guns you got to obey your guns cos when you're old it will all be done," seems to offer advice about the importance of following one's intuition and emotions, even if that means making unconventional choices or taking risks.
One interesting fact about "Obey Your Guns" is that it was written by Jimmy Brown, the lead singer of the band. Another is that the band's name, "Matrimony," is a nod to Brown's relationship with his wife, who is also a member of the group. The song appears on the band's debut album, "Montibello Memories," which was released in 2014. Matrimony has been described as a folk-pop band, and their music has been compared to that of the Lumineers and the Head and the Heart. The lyrics of "Obey Your Guns" have been praised for their poetic imagery and emotional depth. The song has been featured on several TV shows, including "The Originals" and "Beauty and the Beast." Matrimony has performed at various music festivals, including Bonnaroo and Firefly.
The chords for "Obey Your Guns" are D - Bm - G - A throughout the song.
Overall, "Obey Your Guns" is a contemplative and thought-provoking song that offers a message of resilience and hope in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know where I'm going to but are you coming with me
I am lost in life and unsure of my destination but I want you to accompany me on this journey
If seeing is believing then we've nothing left to hope for
If we only believe what we see, then our possibilities are limited and we have no hope
I know you don't see me cos you're looking right through me
I am invisible to you because you are so focused on something else
I know you're still haunted by things that you're seeing
You are haunted by the things you witness and they continue to affect you
When you're young, got to obey your guns you got to obey your guns cos when you're old it will all be done
In your youth, you must trust your instincts and follow your heart because as you age, time will catch up to you and your opportunities will cease
Look for the color whenever you're dreaming
When you dream, seek out the vibrancy and beauty in life
Follow your longing and swallow your feeling
Pursue your desires and emotions without hesitation
When you're young, got to obey your guns you got to obey your guns cos when you're old it will all be done
In your youth, trust your intuition because it will lead you to where you need to be before time runs out
Contributed by Hannah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MountainXXII
Such a shame you guys don't have more fans. Keep up the good music and I am sure they will come! Good luck and thanks for the song.
Joseph Hendrix
Saw these guys Saturday night at the 2013 Weenie Roast! Hands down one of the best bands. You have a new fan. Keep up the good work!
D3xo TV
I really enjoy these guys music!! i'm a fan
Roon Mc
I discovered them through an add on Facebook. I listened to three songs and immediately bought their album. Check out their video of a live version of Southern Skies that they played on a boat for SXSW
Samir Alanis
They opened for Twin Forks last night here in Houston... Absolutely fantastic!
Jessee Haney
Literally my new favorite band since I came across it through Rolling Stone. Been streaming the album like crazy through their website!!
Link for the lazy: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-matrimonys-lush-folk-pop-montibello-memories-lp-premiere-20140428
Robyn Bloemstein
Amazing!!! My fav song now :)
Alejandra Fonseca
So Good!!!!! You're great! :) This is my favorite song now! :D
therealjoshthom
Excellent as always
zahrababy
Amazing!!