Matt and Kim released their first album, Matt & Kim, on October 26, 2006. The album sold modestly, primarily at live shows. Many indie fans praised their music, and the two gained popularity through their many outgoing tours. Following the release of their first album, Matt and Kim began playing high profile music festivals, such as The Siren Music Festival and Lollapalooza. The duo signed with Fader Label and their second album, Grand, recorded in Matt's childhood bedroom at his parents' home in Vermont, was released on January 20, 2009. A video for one of the album's highlights, "Lessons Learned", in which the duo strips nude in Times Square, was shot during a very cold winter day in February 2009.
On November 2, 2010, the duo released their third album, Sidewalks. Co-produced by Ben Allen, Oliver Strauss and Matt, the album as a whole adopted a more refined, yet dense hip-hop influence in comparison to the previous two, while still maintaining the upbeat and party-esque style they are known for. Matt and Kim headlined two U.S. tours in support, in Fall 2010 and again during May/June 2011. They also played numerous festivals including Australia's Big Day Out, Japan's Fuji and V in the UK. In addition, they played at many American colleges, worked extensively through Europe and South America and, in Fall 2011, they supported Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance on select dates. Although not officially released as a single, the song "Good for Great" received significant airplay in some markets, and was ranked #65 on Boston station WFNX's Top 101 of 2011 list.
On June 22, 2012, Matt and Kim issued a brand new track, "Let's Go" as a digital single, meanwhile, the band put finishing touches on their fourth full length album, Lightning, released on October 2, 2012. The single, "Let's Go", peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. On June 25, 2012, the duo uploaded a video to their YouTube channel featuring ball handler Pat the Roc performing basketball tricks as "Let's Go" plays in full. Then on September 4, 2012, the duo released a lyric video for another new song on the album, "Now". On October 1, 2012, "Overexposed", "Not That Bad", "Much Too Late", "Ten Dollars I Found", "Tonight", "It's Alright", "I Said" and "I Wonder" were released on YouTube as official first listens. Matt and Kim premiered their official music video for "Let's Go" via the Funny or Die website in November.
The full-length album got a digital/CD/vinyl release on October 2, 2012 and the band began their official US Fall Lightning Tour the next day in Burlington, Vermont. On February 5, 2013, Matt and Kim kicked off their US tour with Passion Pit. While on tour, the official music video for "It's Alright" was released on February 25, 2013, featuring Matt and Kim in a choreographed dance routine in bed. In March 2013 Matt and Kim wrapped their US tour and performed at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida before heading to Australia for a three-week tour at the end of April.
In May, Matt and Kim announced their touring schedule for summer 2013, starting with a show at the Great GoogaMooga in Brooklyn, NY on May 18, 2013. In June, Matt and Kim performed at Free Press Summer Fest, Sandy Parts Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Firefly Music Festival, Summerfest and Party in the Park. In July, they played at the Keloha Music & Arts Fest and the Forecastle Festival. In August, they played at Lollapalooza in Chicago. In October, they played at Corona Capital, in Mexico City.
On January 13, 2015, Matt and Kim released the single "Get It" in promotion of their fifth album. Along with this, they also released Spring tour dates, an album pre-order, and a lyric video to accompany the single. "Get It" received mixed reviews from fans as it ventures away from their past DIY sound. On February 10, 2015 Matt and Kim released the promotional video for the single "Hey Now" through their official VEVO Youtube account. On February 24, 2015, the band released "Hoodie On" through their official VEVO account. On April 7, 2015, Matt and Kim released the full album and held an in store performance at Amoeba Music's Hollywood store to celebrate.
Lessons Learned
Matt & Kim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Da da da-da-da-da
(repeat)
Tape holds things that cannot stick
And keep leftovers in the fridge
While lessons learned go down the drain
I can't believe in everything
All the bad names gone
And so I stayed up all night
Slept in all day
This is my sound
Thinking about tomorrow won't change how
I feel today
Da da da-da-da-da, da da da
Da da da-da-da-da
(repeat)
Never let your mark erase
'cause broken legs can be replaced
Two steps to the finish line
Three sips till I finish mine
A straw will always suck it out
Close your eyes and use your mouth
And tell me about your song
And so I stayed up night
Slept in all day
This is my sound
Thinking about tomorrow won't change how
I feel today
Da da da-da-da-da, da da da
Da da da-da-da-da
(repeat)
The opening line "Tape holds things that cannot stick" is a metaphor to describe how sometimes we patch things up temporarily, but they cannot withstand what is going to happen. This line is followed by "And keep leftovers in the fridge", which emphasizes how we try to preserve things, but we're just delaying the inevitable. The next line "While lessons learned go down the drain" implies that we fail to learn from our mistakes, and instead, we discard them as insignificant. The following line might be confusing, but here's what it could mean: "I can't believe in everything, all the bad names gone and the good ones were all wrong" - this line reflects on the element of disbelief, as the singer cannot trust anything anymore, not even the labels that people carry, because they might not be fitting.
The chorus of the song begins with "And so I stayed up all night, slept in all day, this is my sound". This line is an expression of the melancholy that the singer is feeling. They might be trying to avoid something by sleeping all day, but when the night comes, they're up, and there's nothing to hold them back. The following lines "Thinking about tomorrow won't change how I feel today" is the realization that all this thinking about the future is pointless, as the present is still here.
The second verse of the song begins with "Never let your mark erase 'cause broken legs can be replaced". This line is an encouragement to continue moving forward, despite any setbacks, because, unlike breaking legs, any damage to one's reputation can usually be repaired. The next line, "Two steps to the finish line" indicates that the singer is near the end of something, but they're not there yet, they need just two more steps to get there. The line "Three sips till I finish mine" is a reminder to enjoy the little things in life and savor them before they're gone. The next line: "A straw will always suck it out, close your eyes and use your mouth" can be interpreted in different ways. One way is a nod to the resilience of being able to make something out of nothing, to use what is around us to get what we want, whatever it takes. The final line of the song "And tell me about your song" is left open-ended, but it could be seen as a request for someone to share their story or experiences, to gain insight and knowledge.
Line by Line Meaning
Tape holds things that cannot stick
Tape might serve the purpose of sticking things together. However, there are certain things beyond repair that tape cannot hold onto.
And keep leftovers in the fridge
Apart from the main course, fridge leftovers can be conserved for future consumption at any time.
While lessons learned go down the drain
Experiences we gain from life are imperative for our growth. Unfortunately, these experiences can be forgotten over time.
I can't believe in everything
I’ve learned to be conscious of the fact that not everything that seems real is actually true.
All the bad names gone
In the course of life, not everyone we expect to live with us remains along the way.
And the good ones were all wrong
There are circumstances where what we believe to be best for us may not turn out as planned.
Two steps to the finish line
The ultimate goal can be reached with baby steps.
Three sips till I finish mine
Staying motivated is important to make it to the end.
A straw will always suck it out
It seems trivial how a simple straw can achieve the impossible, but it does.
Close your eyes and use your mouth
If given the right direction, one can execute even impossible tasks.
And tell me about your song
Let me know your story.
Never let your mark erase
Do not forget the milestones you have achieved that got you to where you are today.
'cause broken legs can be replaced
Physical injuries can always be healed, unlike our struggles that leave a lasting impact.
And so I stayed up all night, Slept in all day
Insomnia can be a struggle, making responsibilities even harder to commit to.
This is my sound
People are frequently judged based on their sound and genre; however, there is no right or wrong in expressing oneself.
Thinking about tomorrow won't change how I feel today
Worrying about upcoming events doesn't always solve problems. Sometimes, facing the problem head-on is the best solution.
Da da da-da-da-da, da da da
This refrain keeps repeating throughout the song. It does not convey any specific meaning but just serves as a rhythm for the lyrics.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KIMBERLY ANN SCHIFINO, MATTHEW WESLEY JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maglutotayoph7025
Da da da-da-da-da, da da da
Da da da-da-da-da
(repeat)
Tape holds things that cannot stick
And keep leftovers in the fridge
While lessons learned go down the drain
I can't believe in everything
All the bad names gone
And the good ones were all wrong
And so I stayed up all night
Slept in all day
This is my sound
Thinking about tomorrow won't change how
I feel today
Da da da-da-da-da, da da da
Da da da-da-da-da
(repeat)
Never let your mark erase
'cause broken legs can be replaced
Two steps to the finish line
Three sips till I finish mine
A straw will always suck it out
Close your eyes and use your mouth
And tell me about your song
And so I stayed up night
Slept in all day
This is my sound
Thinking about tomorrow won't change how
I feel today
Da da da-da-da-da, da da da
Da da da-da-da-da
(repeat)
@ericfoster8411
For people that are aware of its existence, this video is an absolute classic
@BringTheBeat
yes
@JL0ndon
And the fact it inspired Erykah badu to do this in Dallas and “get shot” where jfk did, im eternally grateful for Matt and kim
@marcomb1913
I still remember when this album / video was brand new. I was in High School, now I'm 29. Still love it.
@looptidooptid
Oof, you're the coolest. I'm 32 now. I remember them well and adore them. They're monsters in live concert settings. Was lucky enough to see them 3 times.
Get a chuckle when I visit my folks who watch antenna/basic television and.. I think.. Daylight is the Buick commercial song for the last 5 or more years.
@ryohry
I’m now 30 and was doing the same. Was shocked when I first watched this back then
@15651House
30 and relating
@r1chard077
Yeah, I'm 34 now and I was in college. They put on a great show.
@LastTruth23
It's been 10 years since I last watched this video and it's still fantastic!
@DynoDarren
I have had the pleasure to see them live twice and they kill it. Matt and Kim rule. Such respect.