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.
Never Say Never
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just because I cry all the time
You know you'd take this hard too
If your tears were mine
Well I wake up in the morning
And sing with the birds
Trying to figure out how to put it into words
How to break it to my heart, what she said
She said never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
She said never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
I'm here crowded in the wings babe
Still thinking that I'm your man
Waiting for that San Francisco big one
To shake that ring off your hand
Well I wake up in the morning still hearing your words
Next to some beautiful woman and I don't hear no bird singing
Don't you remember how The Byrds used to sing for us?
Never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
She said never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
You can't and you won't
And you're not going to start tonight
Never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
Well they say life is hard but I don't know
Just never fall in love and don't go on the road
Wake up in the morning sing with the birds
Next to a beautiful woman, love is absurd
I cry all the time
She said never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
She said never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
You can't and you won't
And you're not going to start tonight
Did you really think, you'd make it out alive?
Never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
Never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
You can't but you won't
Don't even think that you might
You can't
You won't, you've got too much fight
Never say never
Live life like you ain't gonna die
The song "Never Say Never" by Matt Mays explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the unpredictability of life. The lyrics depict a narrator who is often emotional and cries frequently, leading others to label him as a "hound dog." However, he defends himself by suggesting that anyone would feel the same way if they experienced the same emotions as him. The singer wakes up each morning, singing with the birds, trying to find the right words to convey the impact of something significant that someone said to him, which has deeply affected his heart.
The song introduces a female character who advises the singer to "never say never" and to live life as if he won't die. This advice can be interpreted as a call to cherish every moment and to approach life with an attitude of fearlessness and seizing opportunities. The singer then reflects on his relationship with someone who he still sees himself as being in love with, even though she is now married. He longs for a seismic event, like the San Francisco earthquake, to shake her wedding ring loose and reunite them. However, he acknowledges the reality that life has moved on and he finds himself with another woman, unable to hear the birds sing like they used to.
Amidst this contemplation, the song reiterates the advice to "never say never" and to live without the fear of death. It suggests that one should not give up, but instead face life with determination and courage. The lyrics acknowledge the hardships of life but question their validity, proposing that one should not refrain from love or adventures because of them. The song serves as a reminder to embrace life fully and appreciate its transient beauty, as one can never predict what lies ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop calling me a hound dog
Do not label me based on my emotional vulnerability
Just because I cry all the time
Expressing my emotions should not determine my identity
You know you'd take this hard too
You would also feel deeply affected in this situation
If your tears were mine
If you experienced the same emotions as me
Well I wake up in the morning
Every morning I start a new day
And sing with the birds
I engage with the nature around me, finding solace in its sounds
Trying to figure out how to put it into words
Attempting to articulate and understand my feelings
How to break it to my heart, what she said
How to accept and cope with the painful words she spoke
She said never say never
She advised me to never dismiss possibilities
Live life like you ain't gonna die
Approach life fearlessly, as if you have endless time
I'm here crowded in the wings babe
I am waiting in the sidelines, hoping to be your chosen one
Still thinking that I'm your man
I still believe I am the person you love and choose
Waiting for that San Francisco big one
Anticipating a major event that will change our circumstances
To shake that ring off your hand
To remove the symbol of commitment from your finger
Well I wake up in the morning still hearing your words
Even after waking up from sleep, your words linger in my mind
Next to some beautiful woman and I don't hear no bird singing
Despite being with someone attractive, I no longer find joy in nature's sounds
Don't you remember how The Byrds used to sing for us?
Do you recall the moments when we found joy together through music?
You can't and you won't
You are unable and unwilling to change
And you're not going to start tonight
You have no intention of initiating a transformation tonight
Well they say life is hard but I don't know
People claim that life is difficult, but I struggle to comprehend it
Just never fall in love and don't go on the road
One way to avoid life's challenges is to prevent yourself from falling in love and traveling
Wake up in the morning sing with the birds
Start the day by embracing nature's melodies
Next to a beautiful woman, love is absurd
Despite being with someone lovely, love feels illogical
I cry all the time
Frequent tears are a part of who I am
You can't but you won't
You are unable and unwilling to change
Don't even think that you might
Do not entertain the thought of initiating a transformation
You can't
You are unable to change
You won't, you've got too much fight
Your resilient spirit prevents you from giving up
Never say never
Do not dismiss possibilities entirely
Live life like you ain't gonna die
Approach life fearlessly, as if you have endless time
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Loel Campbell, Matt Mays
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
acsparkplug
The crunchy bass rift. All kinds of YES! 🎸
timv1234
awesome.
acsparkplug
Never! 😎😍🍁