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.
The Fight
Matt Andersen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And poison in the ground
We've had nothing but worry
Since the fight came to town
So mothers grab your children
And fathers grab your guns
The fight is on our doorstep
This rotten smell of money
Is hanging in the air
It's getting harder to live now
But the fight it doesn't care
You can feel it all around you
You can taste it when you breathe
But they tell you that it's nothing
'Cause the fight it doesn't bleed
It's time wake up
It's time to realize
We let it go too far
We got to make up the time
It's bigger than it seems
And getting worse every day
If we pretend we don't see
It won't go away
You can see it in the faces
Of the old and the young
We're gonna have to face this
'Cause the fight will never run
It's time for us to stand up
It's time for us to rise
And everything we've got
We must give it to the fight
Matt Andersen's song "The Fight" discusses the struggles and dangers of environmental exploitation and the importance of standing up for a cause. The song suggests that "the fight" is imminent and pressing, and its effects are already visible in the form of poisoned water, contaminated soil, and a rotten smell of money. The fight is an endeavor that requires the collective efforts of everyone, and hence, reminds us that mothers should grab children, and fathers should grab guns, which symbolizes the need for protection and the necessity to safeguard the land.
The song also highlights the fact that the fight is getting larger day by day and it is important to wake up and realize the gravity of the situation. The lyrics suggest that environmental issues have become so widespread that it's becoming increasingly difficult to live. The fight is invisible yet pervasive, and it's time for people to rise and recognize that the fight is bigger than it seems. The song reminds people to stand up to fight for what is right and that nothing can be ignored, as it can have terrible repercussions. The fight will never run, and everyone must give all that they've got for it.
In conclusion, "The Fight" by Matt Andersen is a powerful song that brings attention to the pressing issue of environmental degradation and the urgent need to fight for our planet. It urges people to recognize the gravity of environmental problems and take appropriate action.
Line by Line Meaning
There's trouble in the water
The water is contaminated, suggesting a serious issue.
And poison in the ground
The ground is not viable and unhealthy for use.
We've had nothing but worry
People are worried about the situation.
Since the fight came to town
The trouble began when the fight came to their community.
So mothers grab your children
The situation is so bad that parents need to prepare their children for the worst.
And fathers grab your guns
The potential for violence is high in the community.
The fight is on our doorstep
This issue is affecting the community directly.
And we've got nowhere left to run
The situation is so bad people cannot flee from it.
This rotten smell of money
Money is at the root of the problem.
Is hanging in the air
The issue cannot be ignored and massive changes are needed.
It's getting harder to live now
The quality of life in the community is declining due to this issue.
But the fight it doesn't care
The issue is not going away on its own and people need to take action.
You can feel it all around you
The problem is apparent and affecting daily life.
You can taste it when you breathe
The issue is so serious that the air has been affected.
But they tell you that it's nothing
People may not realize the severity of the situation and choose to ignore it.
'Cause the fight it doesn't bleed
The issue may not be visible, but it is serious nonetheless.
It's time wake up
People are being called to attention.
It's time to realize
The reality of the problem cannot be ignored anymore.
We let it go too far
The problem has been neglected for too long leading to its severity.
We got to make up the time
People need to take immediate action to solve the issue.
It's bigger than it seems
The problem is much more severe than people may think.
And getting worse every day
The problem is actually getting worse each day.
If we pretend we don't see
Ignoring the issue won't solve it.
It won't go away
The situation will not self-resolve.
You can see it in the faces
People are visibly worried and concerned about the problem.
Of the old and the young
The problem is so serious that it affects everyone.
We're gonna have to face this
The community must face and solve the problem together.
'Cause the fight will never run
The issue will not simply disappear and people need to face it head-on.
It's time for us to stand up
People need to unite and take action.
It's time for us to rise
The community needs to face the issue with courage and determination.
And everything we've got
Everyone must give all their resources to solve the problem.
We must give it to the fight
The issue is now a fight that the community must win.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Gunning, Matthew Frederick Andersen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind