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.

Ten Ten
Matt Cardle Lyrics

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Oh, it was fun
Playing with a loaded gun
Could point it at anyone
But it was my time
In the firing line
Oh, the jokes
Between the lines
It filled with smokes

We laughed until we choked
But we stole time
When you were mine

I miss you
And I wish you well
Oh, I miss you
But you wouldn't tell

I will cry for you no more
Scars healed up nice
You won't hurt me anymore
Time has blunt your knife
I cried my river dry

I told your mum
I was sorry for the things I've done
I got tangled up and came undone
But it was showtime
I was supposed to shine
So please
Just know you meant the world to me
And know that you will always be
On my mind
'Til the end of time

I miss you
And I wish you well
Oh, I miss you
But you wouldn't tell

I will cry for you no more
Scars healed up nice
You won't hurt me anymore

Time has blunt your knife
I cried my river dry

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Ten Ten" by Matt Cardle depict a complex emotional journey of reflection, remorse, and closure. In the first verse, the singer recalls a time of recklessness and thrill, comparing the experience to playing with a loaded gun. The metaphor of being in the firing line suggests a sense of vulnerability and facing consequences, but amidst the chaos, there were moments of laughter and camaraderie. Despite the fleeting nature of those times, the singer longs for the connection they shared, acknowledging the bittersweet nostalgia of memories past.

The chorus reveals a deep sense of longing and unresolved feelings towards a lost love. The repetition of "I miss you" underscores the pain of separation and the desire for reconciliation, even though the other person may not reciprocate those sentiments. The singer's vulnerability is palpable as they express their emotional turmoil while coming to terms with the reality of the situation.

In the second verse, there is a shift towards acceptance and healing. The singer declares that they will no longer shed tears for the person who caused them pain, indicating a sense of empowerment and self-preservation. The imagery of scars healing and time blunting the knife of past hurt conveys a message of resilience and moving forward from a place of strength. The metaphor of crying a river dry symbolizes the emotional catharsis and release of pent-up feelings.

The final verse brings a sense of closure as the singer addresses the person they hurt and expresses regret for their actions. Despite the mistakes made and the pain caused, there is a genuine apology and acknowledgment of the impact on the other person. The declaration that they were meant to shine, but got tangled up in their own flaws, shows a sense of reflection and growth. The closing lines convey a sense of eternal remembrance and the enduring impact that certain relationships have on our lives, even as time marches on. Overall, "Ten Ten" portrays a poignant exploration of love, loss, forgiveness, and the emotional resilience that comes with healing.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, it was fun
I enjoyed the thrill

Playing with a loaded gun
Engaging in risky behavior

Could point it at anyone
Had the power to harm others

But it was my time
I faced the consequences

In the firing line
At the center of attention

Oh, the jokes
The humor shared between us

Between the lines
Hidden meanings in our conversations

It filled with smokes
Our time together was clouded by uncertainty

We laughed until we choked
We found joy even in difficult situations

But we stole time
We cherished moments together

When you were mine
During the time we were together