Growing up in Perth-Andover, you learn a thing or two about the tough grind.
The family-oriented, blue-collar community is home to singer-songwriter and
guitarist Matt Andersen. While manual labour wasn't his calling, hard work is
something you pride yourself on growing up in a small-town. Having played over
200 shows in 2012, his work ethic has never been questioned.
Matt’s narrative-driven writing cuts through the soul, blending blues and folk,
encompassed in total honesty. He takes listeners on a ride with his diverse
musical styles, skilled guitar work and over-the-top showmanship. Matt's
intimate, high-energy performances have captivated audiences across the world,
from Canada, to the US, to Australia and the UK, from small clubs to festivals.
In 2011 Matt released Coal Mining Blues, produced by Colin Linden. The album
was recorded at the Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York and features
keyboardist Garth Hudson (The Band) and singer Amy Helm (Olabelle). The
songs delve into the lives of the working class and the bonds he shares with
mining communities, family and friends back home. The moving title track paints
a clear picture of the blood, sweat and tears of a backbreaking trade.
“I’m not trying to change anyone’s lives in a big way, but I love it when [listeners]
really get involved in the music,” says Matt, who won three 2012 Maple Blues
Awards and received a British Blues Award nomination, among many others.
“When people get involved, it really makes it a great night — for
everyone.” Through his exhilarating performances and connection to his
audience, Matt continues to work hard and tell the stories he was born to tell.
Ain't No Sunshine
Matt Andersen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not warm when she's away.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long anytime she goes away.
Wonder this time where she's gone,
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
Hey, I ought to leave the young thing alone,
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone, only darkness everyday.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,
And this house just ain't no home anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
The song "Ain't No Sunshine" by Matt Andersen is a cover of the original song by Bill Withers. The lyrics are about the feeling of emptiness and loneliness when a loved one is not around. The singer describes how the absence of the person makes everything seem dark and cold, and how he wonders where she's gone and if she's ever coming back. He knows he should move on, but can't shake the feeling of longing for her.
The repetition of "I know" emphasizes the singer's familiarity with this feeling and his acceptance that there is truly no light or warmth in his life without his love interest. The phrase "I ought to leave the young thing alone" adds a layer of complication to the song, hinting at a possible inappropriate relationship or age difference. However, the main theme of the song remains the same: the deep sense of loss and despair that comes with someone's absence.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.
Life loses its brightness when she is not around.
It's not warm when she's away.
The warmth of emotions and love is lost when she is not here.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Life is colorless when she is away.
And she's always gone too long anytime she goes away.
The absence of her presence feels longer than it actually is each time she leaves.
Wonder this time where she's gone,
Curiosity arises about where she has gone.
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Speculation arises whether she has left forever.
And this house just ain't no home anytime she goes away.
This house feels lifeless when she is not here.
And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
The repetitive lines show his understanding and acceptance of the situation.
Hey, I ought to leave the young thing alone,
He realizes that he should let her go and not interfere in her life.
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone, only darkness everyday.
He cannot help but feel the absence of her presence which leads to darkness in his life.
Anytime she goes away.
The recurring statement highlights the impact of her absence on his life.
Anytime she goes away.
The repetition shows the depth of his feeling and the severity of her absence.
Anytime she goes away.
He can't help but remind himself of her absence each time she leaves.
Anytime she goes away.
The last statement emphasizes how her absence lingers in his life and its continuous impact.
Contributed by Joseph F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Mande258
Googled my name. This went better than expected.
@ComeauFSU
Stop doubting your talents. Also, next time you plan to go to Meteghan, let me know. So I can drive back to the boonies and jam with you in my Uncle Hugh's barn with yo' mawfackin talented ass, brah. Stogies and whisky to follow.
@leozecena5788
Amazing, just Heartfelt
@clinker
Matthew Andersen See you tonight Matt. Anyone that opens for Beth Hart has "arrived":)
@musiclover92488
clinker I saw him open for Beth Hart just a few days ago. I had found Matt's music on YouTube a while back and loved it ...so when I was at the Taft Theater for Beth, I didn't know Matt was the opener....talk about excited! I was thrilled that it was he whom I'd found on YT. And what a display of awesome talent. Beth Hart raved about Matt on her set too. Altogehter, it was one amazing show!
@benpetrie9325
Lily Langtree I'm jealous!
@johnn.7806
Its not that gingers dont have soul, there just wasn't any left over after Matt Anderson was born.
@paynevess8055
Bro.
@thewhitezubia
Broh
@MrNickTroy
Bruh