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.
I'm Not Letting Go Yet
Matt Cardle Lyrics
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Don't tell me to lay low
Don't tell me it's over
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
We're better when we're on it
So was the tonic
But never further from it
So take the wheel
'Cause I'll be on the bonnet
And
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
Sometimes I want to keep from going under
When all I be is ~
I got your love
But in truth I need a mother
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go, no
Don't tell me to let go
Don't tell me to lay low
Don't tell me it's over
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
I lean on cause I feel you make me stronger
I love your high
But your low goes on for longer
No I'm not ready to face my life without you
There's nothing you can say
Because everybody doubts you
But
We're alright
I promise you
We're alright
I'm promising you
We're alright
Alright
Don't tell me to let go
Don't tell me to lay low
Don't tell me it's over
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
Don't tell me to let go
Don't tell me to lay low
Don't tell me it's over
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
Don't tell me to stop now
Don't tell me to slow down
Don't make it a show down
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
Don't tell me to stop now
Don't tell me to slow down
Don't make it a show down
'Cause
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go yet
The lyrics of "I'm Not Letting Go Yet" by Matt Cardle depict a desperate plea from the singer to hold on to a relationship that may be on the brink of falling apart. The repeated refrain of "Don't tell me to let go, don't tell me to lay low, don't tell me it's over" highlights the refusal to accept the end of the connection. The singer's determination to cling to what remains of the bond is clear, as they assert, "I'm not letting go yet."
The lyrics suggest a struggle to maintain the intensity and passion that once defined the relationship. The lines "Just being honest, we're better when we're on it, so was the tonic but never further from it" hint at a longing for the past when things were more vibrant and fulfilling. The metaphor of being on the bonnet while someone else takes the wheel underscores a sense of being out of control and at the mercy of the situation.
The singer expresses vulnerability and a fear of drowning in the absence of the other person, acknowledging that they need not just love but also a sense of nurturing and guidance. The admission of needing a mother figure conveys a deep emotional dependency and a reluctance to face life's challenges alone. The repeated assurance of "I'm not letting go, no" reinforces the refusal to give up on the relationship despite the difficulties.
The closing verses show a mix of insecurity and determination, with the acknowledgment that the relationship has its highs and lows. The singer recognizes the need for reassurance and support but also refuses to succumb to doubts or external pressures. The repeated pleas of "Don't tell me to stop now, don't tell me to slow down" reveal a struggle against outside interference and a determination to hold on, even when the future is uncertain. Overall, the lyrics of "I'm Not Letting Go Yet" convey a complex mix of emotions, from desperation and fear of loss to a steadfast commitment to fighting for love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES ELIOT, JEMIMA STILWELL, MATTHEW CARDLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind