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.
Aurora
Matt Andersen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
The campground sleeps beneath the dirty snow
I pulled off in Madoc
For a pit stop at the Tim's
To try my hand at rolling rims
Hoping I might catch a glimpse
Of the red-haired girl
At the Red Lion down in Belleville
On a rainy Saturday
I watched her as she waltzed across the floor
And we hung the don't disturb sign on the door
Oh Aurora
Won't you tell me when
Aurora
I can see you dance again
Aurora
Before I leave town tonight
Oh Aurora
I'll look for your northern light
Her Saturn making rings around the yard
At a little run down one star
Before Bonjour Boulevard
For a month of Sunday evenings we would meet
For some peace down in the valley
Between the polyester sheets
It was heaven having her curled next to me
As the Leafs took down the Blackhawks
On a black and white TV
She gave me her number
And said to call when I'm around
And I would sing a song for her in every town
Oh Aurora
Won't you tell me when
Aurora
I can see you dance again
Aurora
Before I leave town tonight
Oh Aurora
I'll look for your northern light
When I drive by, I feel the wheel pull
But I suspect that she keeps her dance card full
And I'll admit that I keep some company
If I had my way, I'd take her on the open road with me
Oh Aurora
Won't you tell me when
Aurora
I can see you dance again
Aurora
Before I leave town tonight
Oh Aurora
I'll look for your northern light
Oh Aurora
I'll look for your northern light
The lyrics of Matt Andersen's song "Aurora" paint a picturesque narrative set in South Ontario, specifically along Highway 7. The singer finds himself stopping at a Tim Hortons in Madoc, where he contemplates the possibility of encountering a red-haired girl who had previously attended his performance at the Red Lion in Belleville. The imagery of a snowy campground and the singer's hopeful yearning to catch a glimpse of this mysterious girl sets the stage for a nostalgic and romantic recollection.
The mention of the red-haired girl, Aurora, invokes a sense of longing and admiration in the singer's heart. Their fleeting yet meaningful connection at the Red Lion on a rainy Saturday is remembered fondly as he recalls her graceful waltz across the dance floor. The intimacy shared behind a closed door with a "don't disturb sign" symbolizes a moment of shared passion and connection, hinting at deeper feelings and unspoken desires between the two individuals.
The lyrical journey continues as the singer reminisces about more intimate moments spent with Aurora, such as cozy evenings watching hockey games on a vintage TV and sharing personal stories between the confines of polyester sheets. The simplicity and warmth of their time together are juxtaposed with the underlying melancholy of knowing that their paths may diverge and their time together may be fleeting.
As the song progresses, a sense of bittersweet nostalgia permeates the singer's reflections on Aurora. Despite the pull he feels when driving by her familiar spots, he acknowledges the likelihood that her life continues to move forward independently of his own. The yearning to have Aurora accompany him on his travels symbolizes a desire for a deeper connection and shared experiences that transcend fleeting moments and transient encounters.
In conclusion, "Aurora" by Matt Andersen captures the essence of fleeting connections, nostalgic yearning, and the transient nature of human relationships. The poetic storytelling intertwined with themes of longing, connection, and missed opportunities creates a poignant ballad that resonates with listeners on a universal level. The search for Aurora's "northern light" becomes a symbolic quest for emotional connection and the pursuit of meaningful relationships in a world where fleeting encounters leave lasting imprints on our hearts.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHEW TODD NAYLOR, OLIVER SPENCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nicholasdunlop8875
Thanx Matt. Your 🎵 is truly a treasure. Those ladies can Harmonize very well.
@BEGoodman2006
I discovered Matt last year on Spotify, then got to see him live during the summer. He is truly a Canadian treasure!!
Love the music Matt!!!!
@tacosauce4x4
A whole lot of man with a whole lotta soul! Love your music Matt, keep on belting it out!
@sarniasam
Looking forward to seeing all you folks at Mariposa.
@SongwritersFromHereandAway
Great take!
@michaelmorgan7568
As a Peterborough Ontario resident, relocating out to Newfoundland at the end of the month, it was really cool to see my favourite artist shoutout some of the communities i've spent a lot of time driving through like Madoc and Belleville. I drive Highway 7 almost everyday and i now have another new favourite song to listen to by my man Matty while i do so. Thanks so much for everything you do and give to us all in your beautiful music. Shout to to the Big Bottle Of Joy for their many talents! Keep it up gang! 🥰❤️❤️❤️
@marysteeves1882
Luv ya Matt 🎶🎙🎵🎸🎹
@kmlconsolidated
Wow…. Got that Dobie Gray tone in the singers voice. The ladies voices sound awesome together. Great job folks! Real music from real musicians!!
@supersloth4635
👏👏👏🔥
@Artuitus
any chance you could come to the panhandle of Florida some time?