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.
Lonely Highway Night
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you don't understand my rhythm or my rhyme
And I can't tell you how sorry that I am
But you know how I get sometimes
But don't feel bad for me
'Cause these feelings disappear
Every time that I'm shifting gears
I can feel the road in my hands
I can feel my heart beating in my chest
And a two-tone half-ton that really understands
Now should I head for the hills
Should I head for the ocean blue
Or just somewhere
That's far away from you
No, don't feel bad for me
'Cause these feelings disappear
Every time that I'm shifting gears
No, don't feel bad for me
'Cause these feelings disappear
Every time that I'm shifting gears (repeat)
On this lonely highway night
Oooh, lonely highway night (repeat)
In these lyrics, Matt Mays is expressing his regret for not being able to communicate effectively with someone. He apologizes for not being able to convey his thoughts and emotions in a way that the other person can understand. He acknowledges that this causes him frustration and can lead to conflict. However, he reminds himself that these feelings will subside when he is driving and shifting gears. Behind the wheel of his truck, he can feel the pain melting away and his heart beating in his chest. He feels a connection to his vehicle, a "two-tone half-ton" that provides him with understanding and solace.
The chorus repeats the message that these negative feelings disappear when Mays is driving. He considers whether he should go "somewhere that's far away" from the person he is having difficulty communicating with. Regardless, he doesn't want the other person to pity him or his situation because he knows that he has a way to cope. The phrase "lonely highway night" in the last line of the song adds to the sense of isolation and introspection that Mays is experiencing in this moment.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't tell you how sorry that I am
I regret my actions
That you don't understand my rhythm or my rhyme
You don't understand me and my way of living
And I can't tell you how sorry that I am
I'm really sorry for my behavior
But you know how I get sometimes
But you know, sometimes I'm reckless and impulsive
But don't feel bad for me
But don't pity me
'Cause these feelings disappear
Because these emotions go away
Every time that I'm shifting gears
Whenever I hit the road
I can feel the pain slipping away
I can feel the hurt leaving me
I can feel the road in my hands
I can feel the steering wheel in my hands
I can feel my heart beating in my chest
I can feel my heart pumping
And a two-tone half-ton that really understands
And a pickup truck that truly gets me
Now should I head for the hills
Now, should I escape to the mountains
Should I head for the ocean blue
Should I escape to the ocean
Or just somewhere That's far away from you
Or anywhere away from you
No, don't feel bad for me
No, don't feel sorry for me
On this lonely highway night
On this solitary road at night
Oooh, lonely highway night
Oh, this isolated road at night
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rachel Kongus
So perfect
Joe Cruze
why does this not have a million views!!
M A C
Ten years ago I burned a mixed CD that included this one. Must have listened a thousand times since - always while driving. One of my favourite Matt Mays tunes.