Matthew Sheridan Cardle (born 15 April 1983) is an English singer-songwrite… Read Full Bio ↴Matthew Sheridan Cardle (born 15 April 1983) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist who rose to fame after winning the seventh series of The X Factor in 2010. He received a £1 million recording contract with Syco Music by winning and his debut single When We Collide was released immediately after he won. It sold 439,000 copies in its first week to become the UK Christmas number one.

Before applying to The X Factor, he was the frontman, lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player of the band Seven Summers and also Darwyn. Seven Summers released a self-titled debut rock album Seven Summers on 22 January 2010. The band performed live on Sue Merchant's BBC radio program on 8 December 2009. Darwyn released two albums entitled When You Wake, and Little Sunlight between 2005 and 2009 as well as playing Sue Marchants BBC radio programme. He also still plays the occasional acoustic gig with former Darwyn band mate Ali McMillan.

He auditioned for The X Factor with "You Know I'm No Good". After Cardle made it through the bootcamp stages, he was sent to Australia and was put into Dannii Minogue's group (in the Boys category). There he began to form a bromance with fellow contestant Aiden Grimshaw. Minogue mentored Cardle throughout the whole show until he won the final on December 12, 2010. After coming second in week one (Final 16 round) of public voting, Matt Cardle consistently came first from week 2 onwards until week 10, the competition final held on 11-12 December 2010.

On week 1 he sang When Love Takes Over by David Guetta & Kelly Rowland, on week 2 he sang Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars, on week 3 he sang ...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears, on week 4 he sang Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, on week 5 he sang The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack, on week 6 he sang Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, on week 7 he sang Come Together by The Beatles, on week 8 he sang I Love Rock N' Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts & Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues, on week 9 he sang You've Got The Love by Florence + The Machine & She's Always a Woman by Billy Joel and on week 10 (the final) he sang Here With Me by Dido, Unfaithful (duet with Rihanna) by Rihanna, Firework by Katy Perry & When We Collide by Biffy Clyro.

Cardle is a former painter and decorator living in Little Maplestead in Essex. Born to parents David and Jennifer Cardle, he was diagnosed with Wilms' tumour, a form of cancer when he was a toddler. He recovered after one of his kidneys was removed at age 2. He is now in a serious bromance with Aiden Grimshaw and together they have a massive fanbase supporting them every step of the way.

Hallelujah
Matt Cardle Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I needed shelter
You were my shade
When I needed water
You made it rain
When I was calling
You came
You're the only killer
For the pain

And I won't be scared
As my heart is sinking down to the river bed
'Cause you're here, oh yeah

Hallelujah
How did I get through
Before I knew you
Hallelujah
How did I get through
Before I knew you

Tear me into pieces
I wouldn't care
Drag me into the fire
I'm already there
It's all snakes and ladders
Flying to fall
But nothing matters
When I'm above them all

I won't be scared
As my heart is sinking down to the river bed
'Cause you're here, oh yeah

Hallelujah
How did I get through
Before I knew you
Hallelujah
How did I get through
Before I knew you

When I needed shelter
You were my shade
When I needed water
You made it rain

You made it rain
You made it rain

Hallelujah
How did I get through
Before I knew you
Hallelujah
How did I get through
Before I knew you

Hallelujah

How did I get through
Before I knew you

Overall Meaning

In these poignant lyrics from Matt Cardle's song "Hallelujah," the singer expresses deep gratitude and reliance on a significant person in his life. The verses paint a picture of someone who has been a constant source of support and comfort, acting as a shelter and providing nourishment when needed. The imagery of shade and rain symbolizes protection and sustenance, highlighting the crucial role this person plays in the singer's life. Amidst pain and challenges, this person serves as a beacon of light and a remedy for suffering, being the only one capable of soothing the singer's anguish.

The chorus of the song, with its powerful repetition of "Hallelujah," reflects a sense of awe and wonder at the impact this person has had on the singer's life. The question posed - "How did I get through before I knew you?" - speaks to the transformative effect this person has had on the singer's existence. Their presence has brought a newfound strength and resilience that the singer cannot imagine living without. It's a testimony to the profound change and growth that can occur when someone truly special enters our lives.

As the lyrics delve deeper, there is a sense of surrender and acceptance of vulnerability. The lines "Tear me into pieces, I wouldn't care / Drag me into the fire, I'm already there" convey a willingness to endure pain and hardship, knowing that this person will be there to provide solace and support. The metaphor of snakes and ladders and the idea of flying to fall suggest the unpredictable nature of life's challenges, but also the reassurance that comes from having someone who lifts you above it all.

Ultimately, the repeated refrain of "Hallelujah" signifies a celebration of this person's presence and impact. Their influence has not only been instrumental in helping the singer navigate life's difficulties but has also brought a sense of joy and gratitude that is reflected in the song's uplifting chorus. The lyrics encapsulate a deep sense of appreciation, recognition, and love for the person who has become an integral part of the singer's journey, illuminating a path of hope and resilience amidst life's trials.

Line by Line Meaning

When I needed shelter
When I needed protection and safety

You were my shade
You provided relief and comfort

When I needed water
When I needed support and nourishment

You made it rain
You provided abundance and fulfillment

When I was calling
When I reached out for help

You came
You responded and stood by me

You're the only killer
You are the only remedy

For the pain
For the suffering and hardships

And I won't be scared
I will not fear or worry

As my heart is sinking down to the river bed
Even as I face challenges and struggles

'Cause you're here, oh yeah
Because you are present and supportive