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Canadian-born singer/songwriter Matt Brouwer’s latest single, 'Waking Up', is more than just a nod to the past 14 years of being a recording artist, which Brouwer is celebrating on the release of his first career spanning ‘best of’ collection, "Writing To Remember". The sentiment of a bookend and a new beginning is no accident and reveals a season of transition that Brouwer is happily embracing. With more than a decade of hit songs, including “Water,” “I Shall Believe,” “Tonight,” and the Top 20 "Sometimes”; two GMA Canada Covenant Awards; two Canadian people’s choice Vibe Awards—not to mention a 2010 Juno Award (Canada’s Grammy equivalent) for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the year—Matt has a lot to celebrate in all that has been accomplished so far over the course of his career. With the passage of time inevitably comes change and it is in looking back that Matt is starting to see a new and exciting road ahead.
Matt Brouwer got his start in the music industry while studying music at school in Alberta, Canada. While in college he and fellow students founded the band Monday Night Worship (MNW). Because of the spiritual content of his lyrics he was 'discovered' by a Nashville record company in 2000, and in 2001 recorded his solo debut CD "Imagerical". The album was released on May 29, 2001 on Reunion Records. He then formed his own label called Black Shoe Records and released an album titled 'Unlearning' in 2005, 'Where’s Our Revolution' (Universal) in 2009, and 'Till The Sunrise' in 2012. Brouwer's music has been hailed for its relentless vulnerability as he shares his life's story of tragedy (the tragic death of his father) and hope (his Spiritual pilgrimage) with his listeners.
“I never imagined where this journey would take me”, says Brouwer. “I can remember being 17 or 18 and feeling so compelled to want to shout from the rooftops about the Spiritual awakening I was experiencing. It was like being embraced by the most incredible love and connection to the Lord and the key to unlocking this door to my heart was through music. I was so hungry for that and totally committed and determined to follow it wherever it might lead me. My time in college and the friends I made there, the energy that was driving us, or driving me, to write songs and attempt to share them with the world felt like a humble but passionate expression of a new but relevant faith that was growing like a wildfire at the time. Fifteen years or so later, I still feel that longing. With all the miles travelled and water under the bridge, I still sit down in front or a piano or with a guitar and dream about what could be possible. I believe in the power of God’s love, transforming hearts through music and worship because I’ve experienced it and I’ve seen it happen in sometimes subtle and not so subtle ways. It’s something I believe I’ll be pursuing my entire life.”
That’s not to say that Brouwer believes that all anyone needs to find peace in life is a three minute pop song to solve all of their problems. Growing up in a very devout Christian family, Matt’s mom made sure that he and his siblings were memorizing full chapters of scripture by the time they started kindergarten and spending as much or more time during the week at church gatherings than in front of the tv or devouring any type of pop culture media. “I used to feel embarrassed by how sheltered we were, but now I am so thankful because it gave me an incredible foundation of solid teaching and an education in Biblical theology. But knowledge alone is pretty useless until it makes an emotional connection somehow and finds it’s way into your heart. For me, the music is what connected the two.”
Like so many new beginnings, much of the genesis for this fresh optimism happened when Hannah entered Matt’s life. The two first met while Matt was on a mission trip in Guatemala, where Hannah’s parents serve as medical missionaries. The relationship blossomed and they were engaged in spring 2010 and married later that year. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in September of 2013 and life forever changed. The balance of career and family has been a stretch at times, but it’s something Matt says he is learning to embrace and explore. “It might sounds strange, but I’ve never been less interested in pursuing a music career. Being married and having a family has re-oriented my priorities completely and the career things that used to be so important to me have become less so. In that way it’s been very freeing and has forced me to let go of control and allowed my steps to be directed by opportunities that the Lord brings our way rather than striving and trying to ‘make it’. If ten or ten million people are listening, it really doesn’t matter. Being a great husband, father, and friend are much more important to me right now than striving for some big career that takes me away from these precious gifts of family and community.”
Community and camaraderie has become increasingly more important to the singer and one listen to 'Writing to Remember' reveals this collaborative spirit that is a hallmark of Matt’s musical pallet. Those lending their vocal talents include JJ Heller, Jill Paquette, and even Vince Gill and Amy Grant on a deeply personal and emotional track, 'The Other Side'. 'Writing to Remember' is equally saturated with a spirit of hope, togetherness, and God’s love. The album beautifully bookends this first chapter with a nod to the next waiting to unfold. “These 15 songs truly represent the progression of learning for me and express the joys and struggles of life that has been lived these past 14 years”, says Matt. “It’s been cool to re-discover how relevant these simple truths still are in my life and I believe for all of us.”
Rivers of Mercy
Matt Brouwer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who set the mountains in their place
To him who causes the earth to tremble
Who set the sun ablaze
Be glory forever and ever
You are holy, creator and king
And though the fire surrounds me
To him who is our refuge and strength
He holds the wounded heart of sorrow
And rivers of mercy, floods of joy
Overflowing from the fountain of the Lord
Glory to God, glory to God
Glory to God, forever!
The opening verse of Matt Brouwer's "Rivers of Mercy" calls out to a powerful and divine presence, praising the creator who reigns over the earth and controls the very foundations upon which we stand. The language used is awe-inspiring, bringing to mind images of mountains being set in place and the fiery sun hanging in the sky. Despite the overwhelming nature of this creator, the chorus continues to give praise and honor, recognizing their holiness and majesty. The closing lines of this segment add a layer of personal relevance to these lyrics, as the singer speaks of being surrounded by fire but finding solace and hope in the flowing river of mercy.
The second verse of "Rivers of Mercy" shifts towards a more intimate and emotional subject matter. The praise and recognition given to the divine creator shifts towards gratitude and relief, as the singer speaks of the Lord's ability to hold the wounded hearts of those who are experiencing sorrow. The imagery of rivers overflowing with mercy and joy feels almost purifying, like a baptism of sorts in which pain and suffering are washed away. The chorus then comes back in full force, repeating the call for glory to be given to God.
In summary, "Rivers of Mercy" is a deeply spiritual song that uses vivid imagery and poetic language to honor and praise a higher power, while also acknowledging the personal struggles and emotions that come with living in the world. The use of water and fire as symbols for spiritual growth and renewal add a layer of depth to the lyrics, making it clear that the act of praising God can also be a way to find comfort and healing in the midst of difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
To him who reigns upon the earth
We acknowledge the authority and sovereignty of God over the world.
Who set the mountains in their place
God has created the majestic mountains that stand immovable.
To him who causes the earth to tremble
God has the power to shake and rattle the foundations of the earth.
Who set the sun ablaze
God has brought light and warmth to the world by creating the sun.
Be glory forever and ever
May all honor and praise be given to God eternally.
You are holy, creator and king
God is pure and set apart, the one who has made everything and rules over all.
And though the fire surrounds me
In the midst of trials and troubles, God is with us.
The river flows
In the midst of life's challenges, God's mercy continues to flow like a refreshment.
To him who is our refuge and strength
God is our safe harbor and secure foundation to rely on when we feel beaten down and vulnerable.
He holds the wounded heart of sorrow
God has great compassion for those who are grieving or hurt, He is quick to console and restore us.
And rivers of mercy, floods of joy
The mercy and generosity of God is abundant and overflows like streams and floods, filling us with joy.
Overflowing from the fountain of the Lord
The source of God's compassion and generosity of God is beyond measure or limits.
Glory to God, glory to God
Praise and adoration be given to God.
Glory to God, forever!
God is ever worthy of honor and worship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATT BROUWER, TIM MILNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind