In early 2003, Costa's homemade demo reached No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, who offered to record more demos for Costa in his home studio. Those first recordings led to two EPs that Costa and Dumont distributed themselves. These were later combined and mixed by Phil Ek in order to form Costa's first full-length CD entitled Songs We Sing.
Costa spent the summer of 2005 opening on Jack Johnson's summer tour. He has since toured with Modest Mouse, Oasis, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Death Cab for Cutie. Costa joined Jack Johnson for his 2006 European tour. He has also contributed to the Jack Johnson and Friends Curious George soundtrack; his track is entitled "Lullaby". This song was taken from his The Elasmosaurus EP. Costa has also toured extensively in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and South America.
The video for Costa's first single "Cold December" was released February 2, 2006. On July 31, 2007, he released a song titled "If You Took To Me" as part of the environmentally minded polar bear documentary Arctic Tale and its soundtrack.
On October 7, 2007, Costa released the first single, "Mr. Pitiful," from his record Unfamiliar Faces. The song "Mr. Pitiful" was used during a scene with Paul Rudd in the movie I Love You, Man, the redband trailer for the film Youth in Revolt starring Michael Cera, and the movie Marmaduke. The song is featured during the opening credits of The Answer Man (film). Apple also used an instrumental cut of this song for the worldwide iPhone 3GS ads.
Mobile Chateau, Costa's next album, was released on September 21, 2010, via Brushfire Records. His 2013 self-titled album was recorded at Pheasant Studios in Santa Ana, CA, as Costa's first solo production.
Jet Black Lake
Matt Costa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swimming in a jet black lake
When I first met you
You were the swan
A thin light shown through
Green and blue
You never spoke of leaving
One day you just flew
In a night so vivid
Over famous skies
Over intersecting avenues
And private drives
Over long deserted corners
Of Franklin Square
You never spoke of returning
One day I just knew
I knew where to find you
Despite sleight of hand
Despite the bad weather
Despite the false starts
Despite the marble statues
That crumbled in my way
And though you look indifferent
The feeling hasn't changed
The lyrics to Matt Costa's song "Jet Black Lake" evoke a sense of mystery and longing in a relationship. The first paragraph introduces the singer's initial encounter with someone special. They meet while swimming in a jet black lake, which symbolizes the darkness and depth of their connection. The person they meet is described as a swan, representing elegance and grace. A thin light shining through them in shades of green and blue suggests a subtle and enchanting aura surrounding them. Despite never speaking of leaving, one day, they suddenly disappear like a bird flying away.
The second paragraph paints a vivid picture of the journey the person takes after they leave. It is a night filled with lively imagery, as they soar over famous skies and traverse busy streets and private driveways. As they pass through long deserted corners of Franklin Square, the focus shifts from the person's journey to the singer's perspective. The singer admits that the person never mentioned returning, but they somehow just knew that they would never see them again.
The third paragraph delves into the singer's determination to find the person despite obstacles. They confidently claim to know where to find them, even through tricks and illusions ("sleight of hand"). The weather and false starts symbolize the challenges and setbacks they face in their pursuit. The mention of marble statues crumbling in their way suggests the passing of time and the fading of external influences or obstacles. Although the person appears indifferent, the singer's feelings for them remain unchanged.
In these lyrics, Costa captures the melancholic beauty of a fleeting connection. The song speaks to the deep longing and yearning for someone who has left without notice. It explores themes of perseverance, hope, and the enduring impact of a significant encounter on an individual's heart and soul.
Line by Line Meaning
When I first met you
At the moment of our initial encounter
Swimming in a jet black lake
Immersed in a dark and mysterious body of water
When I first met you
During our very first meeting
You were the swan
You emanated grace and elegance
A thin light shown through
A faint gleam of brightness pierced through
Green and blue
Colors resembling nature's hues
You never spoke of leaving
You never mentioned departing
One day you just flew
Eventually, you abruptly took flight
In a night so vivid
During an incredibly vivid evening
Over famous skies
Crossing renowned heavens
Over intersecting avenues
Navigating through intersected paths
And private drives
And secluded roads
Over long deserted corners
Traversing lengthy forsaken corners
Of Franklin Square
Within the vicinity of Franklin Square
You never spoke of returning
You never expressed a desire to come back
One day I just knew
Eventually, I simply understood
I knew where to find you
I became aware of your whereabouts
Despite sleight of hand
Regardless of trickery or deception
Despite the bad weather
In spite of unfavorable atmospheric conditions
Despite the false starts
Notwithstanding unsuccessful beginnings
Despite the marble statues
Regardless of the sculptures made of marble
That crumbled in my way
That collapsed obstructing my path
And though you look indifferent
Even though you appear disinterested
The feeling hasn't changed
My emotions have remained unaltered
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Matt (ASCAP) Costa
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
C R
I normally don't like YouTube ads, but I'm glad this popped up while I was listening to something else.
Eduard Alexogiannopoulos
This is a production masterclass. Thank you Matt!
Sergio Maldonado
It's a great piece of music ... A long time missing this lindo of musician.... Good Job .... I love it!!!
Breanna Sommer
On the album, when it transitions from the ending of Last Love Song into Jet Black Lake I just go, “Damn.”
Patrick Fringer
Thanks Matt Nice song!
hola soy jose
wonderful
კრის ტა
<3 <3 <3
Ferdaus Hussein
What a suprise!
Iris Shade
Love the video and song soooo goooood!!!
Jorge Octavio Guerrero Chavez
Yeaaaaa