Ca… Read Full Bio ↴“Turn the page because where we are is not where we’re going...”
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.”
Sometimes
Matt Brouwer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes I believe that everything is what it seems
And we're just to scared to try
Do we have what it takes when hope and clarity melt away
To rise above our mistakes
If we don't know any other way
And we're just too scared to try
It feels like this is as good as it gets
It feels that way sometimes
So let's take a second and catch our breath
And realize this isn't over yet
It just feels that way sometimes
Sometimes there can be so much more beyond what we see
Sometimes I'm amazed how we see the world in different ways
And we're just too scared to try
When it feels like there is nothing left
It feels like this is as good as it gets
It feels that way sometimes
So let's take a second and catch our breath
And realize this isn't over yet
It just feels that way sometimes
Sometimes I'm afraid of what I might not get to say
And we're just too scared to try
Yeah we're just too scared to try
When it feels like there is nothing left
It feels like this is as good as it gets
It feels that way sometimes
So let's take a second and catch our breath
And realize this isn't over yet
It just feels that way sometimes
So let's take a second and catch our breath
And realize this isn't over yet
It just feels that way sometimes
The lyrics to Matt Brouwer's song "Sometimes" express a sense of fear and uncertainty about the future, and the hesitation that can come with it. The singer appears to be struggling with a fear of missed opportunities and the consequences of his own mistakes, wondering if he is capable of rising above them. He seems to be encouraging himself and others to take a step back, catch their breath, and remember that there is still hope for the future.
The song also touches on the idea of perception, noting that people can view the world in vastly different ways, which can create a sense of confusion or detachment. Despite this, the singer is still urging himself and others to try and overcome their reservations and take a chance on the future.
Overall, the message of the song seems to be one of hope and perseverance, reminding listeners that even when things feel uncertain or difficult, there is always the possibility of something better on the horizon.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I’m afraid of what I might not get to say
At times, I am apprehensive of the words I may not articulate.
Sometimes I believe that everything is what it seems
Occasionally, I have faith that appearances are truthful.
And we’re just to scared to try
However, we lack the courage to make an attempt.
Do we have what it takes when hope and clarity melt away
Do we possess the fortitude when all expectancy and lucidity fades?
To rise above our mistakes
To surmount any faults we make.
If we don’t know any other way
If we are unacquainted with an alternative approach.
When it feels like there is nothing left
During moments when it appears there is no more hope or opportunity.
It feels like this is as good as it gets
It seems as if circumstances will not improve beyond this point.
It feels that way sometimes
This sentiment is not an exclusive perception and is recurrent.
So let’s take a second and catch our breath
Therefore, let us pause and collect ourselves.
And realize this isn’t over yet
Become aware that the situation has not concluded.
Sometimes there can be so much more beyond what we see
On occasions, there exists an abundance beyond what we can perceive.
Sometimes I’m amazed how we see the world in different ways
Occasionally, it astonishes me how our perspectives of the world differ.
Yeah we’re just too scared to try
Yet, we remain timorous to attempt.
So let’s take a second and catch our breath
Therefore, let us pause and collect ourselves.
And realize this isn’t over yet
Become aware that the situation has not concluded.
It just feels that way sometimes
This sentiment is not an exclusive perception and is recurrent.
So let’s take a second and catch our breath
Therefore, let us pause and collect ourselves.
And realize this isn’t over yet
Become aware that the situation has not concluded.
It just feels that way sometimes
This sentiment is not an exclusive perception and is recurrent.
Lyrics © Unlearning Music Pub.
Written by: Matt Brouwer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ktlee
I heard this song on the radio.. and fell in love with it as soon as I heard his voice. :]
@maybetomorrow31
I LOVE THIS SONG! !
@jazznanncoleman9152
My favorite
@Vanityblue
I love this song. It definitely makes me realize I shouldn't give up.
@ratedyellow3
After 2 year ill b the first to say I love this song n people should listen to this song more
@linda87m
love this song! really motivational to me =)
@robgir291
Read your article in the “ the daily gleaner”. Hope it brings you new fans! First time hearing this wonderful song!
@gandolf1895
I really like this song. I often think like this. I just wish I could finish what the song says. Anyone with me?
@texasmusicfan03
Hey that first pic is houston! though he is from woodlands tx, great musician. discovered him a few years back and i hope to catch more concerts of him. very inspiring musician, going through some VERY tough times at the moment but i still manage to get back on my feet and dust my clothes off and take one step at a time through the help of KLOVE and the word of God!
@appleloaf
texasmusicfan03 he is canadian