After departing The Guthries to embark on a solo career, Mays released his self-titled debut which maintained the rootsy, laid-back feel of his earlier work but also had a decidedly more rock vibe. The solo debut caused quite a stir across Canada and went on to be nominated to two Juno Awards (New Artist & Adult Alternative Album).
Mays followed this up with the first Matt Mays & El Torpedo album, recorded with the live band he had formed to tour in support of the Matt Mays album. Matt Mays & El Torpedo had quickly evolved into one of Canada’s best live acts. Produced with Grammy Award-winner Don Smith (Tom Petty, Keith Richards), the album’s first single “Cocaine Cowgirl” was a massive hit and the album went on to win four East Coast Music Awards in 2006. The band began working in the US as well, the highlight of which was an appearance on the Conan O’Brien show.
Just when everyone had him tagged as a Tom Petty inspired rock and roller Mays veered off in another direction, producing the music for ill-fated When the Angels Make Contact film. While it confounded many fans the album was a critical success and went on to be nominated for another Juno in the Adult Alternative Album of the Year category. Matt put together an eight piece band to tour the music and visuals from When The Angels Make Contact.
2008 saw the return of El Torpedo and the Terminal Romance album. Produced in the UK with producer Chris Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Anvil) the album features the singles “Tall Trees”, “Building A Boat”, and the epic title track. Terminal Romance won the ECMA for Rock Album of the Year in 2008 and was nominated for a Juno in the same category.
Mays is back in solo mode now, working on material when not on the road with a new band performing material from all four albums.
Chase the Light
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As pure as the midnight snow on the Jasper ranges
Into the everlasting night
I'll chase the light
Got to keep on moving, gotta take the chance
'Cause I'm losing my rhythm with every step of the dance
Into the everlasting night
I'll chase the light
Further and further, until there's strange land
I can't let my shadow determine where I'll stand
Into the everlasting night
I'll chase the light
And when it shines, it's gonna shine (shine) like a million suns
Rises ignite the fire, glow, coming sweet as golden goods
As thick as thieves, we shall receive, burning bright sin from the king
Shine your light and save my soul
I wish I was with you, holding you tight
'Cause my angels get sullied by the demons of the night
Into the everlasting night
I'll chase the light
Got to keep on moving, gotta take the chance
'Cause I'm losing my rhythm with every step of the dance
Into the everlasting night
I'll chase the light
In "Chase the Light," Matt Mays is searching for something that won't change, and he compares it to the purity of midnight snow on the Jasper ranges. He's going into the "everlasting night," which seems to represent the unknown future or perhaps death, and he's going to keep moving and taking risks. He's afraid of losing his rhythm or direction, but he's determined not to let his shadow (or past mistakes) determine where he stands. The light he's chasing will shine like a million suns and save his soul, and he wishes he was holding someone close to protect him from the demons of the night.
It seems like the light Matt Mays is chasing is a metaphor for a constant, unchanging source of meaning or purpose in life, something that can guide him through any situation. The snow on the Jasper ranges could represent the natural world or a higher power that remains pure and constant, even in the face of human confusion and chaos. The "everlasting night" could be seen as a symbol for the darkness or confusion of the human condition, and "chasing the light" represents the human impulse to search for meaning and transcendence.
The lyrics are poetic and resonant, and they could be interpreted in a number of ways depending on the listener's perspective. They seem to capture the feeling of uncertainty and yearning that many people experience in their daily lives, and they offer a hopeful message of perseverance and endurance in a challenging world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm searching for something that won't change
Looking for permanence in a transient world
As pure as the midnight snow on the Jasper ranges
Seeking something pristine, untouched and unblemished
Into the everlasting night
Venturing into the unknown, where the darkness is absolute
I'll chase the light
Pursuing illumination, meaning, and purpose
Got to keep on moving, gotta take the chance
Must not stop or hesitate, need to seize opportunities
'Cause I'm losing my rhythm with every step of the dance
Things are slipping, chaos is winning over order
Further and further, until there's strange land
Pushing boundaries, crossing thresholds, exploring new horizons
I can't let my shadow determine where I'll stand
Refusing to be held captive by one's past, fears, or doubts
And when it shines, it's gonna shine (shine) like a million suns
Expecting a revelation, a breakthrough that outshines everything else
Rises ignite the fire, glow, coming sweet as golden goods
Anticipating a spiritual or emotional awakening, a burst of energy or creativity
As thick as thieves, we shall receive, burning bright sin from the king
Believing in the power of community, solidarity, and rebellion against oppressive forces
Shine your light and save my soul
Appealing for help, guidance, and salvation from a benevolent force
I wish I was with you, holding you tight
Expressing a desire for intimacy, comfort, and security
'Cause my angels get sullied by the demons of the night
Acknowledging the fragility of goodness, the allure of evil, and the need for protection
Into the everlasting night
Reiterating the willingness to explore and challenge the unknown
I'll chase the light
Confirming the determination to find purpose, meaning, and illumination
Got to keep on moving, gotta take the chance
Emphasizing the urgency and importance of not giving up, not settling for less
'Cause I'm losing my rhythm with every step of the dance
Reminding oneself of the stakes, the risks, the consequences of failure or hesitation
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Matt Mays
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Talha Salamat
It's sad that real musicians like Matt Mays who actually put not only their heart and soul in every song, but their life into their songs. They don't get any recognition but these little teenybopper losers get all the attention. Keep on Rocking Matt you are true music and i hope one day real music makes a comeback.
joelouis
His biggest career mistake was not posting lyrics. At least in the youtube description. Some songs you cannot find lyrics on google even.
Absolute disaster. I think this single issue screwed his exposure. I was at at a HAM Tiger Cats game. Couldnt understand a word over the stadiums audio system. But fuck. My dad 65 this year.. He was touched. I found the song based on the beat. But no fuckn lyrics!!
lightworkerspi
By far my favorite Matt Mays song..., although I love them all. This one touches my soul.
Jenelle Seiveright
i can't get enough of this song. with the combination of acoustic & Matt's amazing voice make this pure heaven.
Jason Hardy
Became an instant fan after seeing him perform at the New Glasgow Jubilee 2017. Amazing stuff. CD ordered.
CynicalDevil
This song fits perfectly with Headlocked Comic's video for The Last Territory. Chilling, a goosebumps giver.
classicslider91
Excellent song. Something is either wrong with society or matts producers because he's wayyy too talented to not be a star. 12,000 views? Somebody is insane here . This song def touches the soul.
OlChap
I'm going to order that comic book. I'm a huge pro-wrestling fan, and this song couldn't be more fitting.
adrienne demeter
This song is love ..