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.
Stand Down at Sundown
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never let your days go for free.
You've got nerves swerving everywhere, whatcha' gonna do?
The ocean ain't blue cause' of you.
You're an idiot man. You got no soul, I've got no faith in you. I can't believe some fall for what you do. Stealing smiles from everyone's faces, tell me just what's your deal? I can't imagine how you must feel.
The sun will come back again tomorrow,
If you leave and take your sorrow,
Stand down at sun down, get yourself gone,
From now on.
Hey there pretty, desertfoot companion,
When are you coming home?
It's been 300 nights,
And I'm mad.
It ain't right, It ain't right,
Your frontline days are done.
It's been 300 nights,
And I'm sad.
The sun will come back tomorrow,
We don't need all your sorrow,
Stand down at sundown, get yourself gone,
From now on
The lyrics of Stand Down At Sundown are filled with opposition and frustration towards someone who is behaving recklessly, causing harm and negativity to those around them. The song opens with a reflection on the power that brings the day to an end, a metaphor for the forces that can bring an end to negative behavior. The lyrics then condemn the person causing the problems, accusing them of having no soul and stealing happiness from others. The line "The ocean ain't blue cause' of you" is a clever twist on the saying "the sky isn't blue because of you" and is a powerful way to convey that this individual has no control over their surroundings. It also suggests that they are not as significant as they may have thought.
The chorus of the song urges the subject to leave and not bring their negativity back. The song calls for them to "stand down at sundown," suggesting that they leave in a peaceful way, rather than causing further damage. The verse to the "desertfoot companion" adds another layer of emotion to the song. It's unclear if this is directed at the same person or if it's a separate message. Nonetheless, it speaks to the feeling of loneliness and abandonment that can come from someone's negative behavior. The song ends with a final call to the subject to leave and a commitment to a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Long live the powers now, that bring down the rays,
The singer is grateful for the forces that cause the sun to set and darkness to fall.
Never let your days go for free.
Don't waste your time or effort on things that have no value or meaning.
You've got nerves swerving everywhere, whatcha' gonna do?
The subject is feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the unpredictable nature of their circumstances.
The ocean ain't blue cause' of you.
The subject is not responsible for the beauty of the natural world.
You're an idiot man. You got no soul, I've got no faith in you. I can't believe some fall for what you do. Stealing smiles from everyone's faces, tell me just what's your deal? I can't imagine how you must feel.
The artist is deeply disappointed in someone who is manipulative and dishonest, and cannot understand how they can do such harm without remorse.
The sun will come back again tomorrow,
Despite any struggles or challenges faced, there is always hope for a new day.
If you leave and take your sorrow,
Removing oneself from a negative situation can be healing and helpful.
Stand down at sun down, get yourself gone,
Take action to distance yourself from a negative situation or person.
From now on.
The artist is resolved to make a change and move forward from the past.
Hey there pretty, desertfoot companion,
The artist is addressing someone who is with them in the desert or on a journey.
When are you coming home?
The singer is longing for the comfort of returning to a familiar place or person.
It's been 300 nights,
The artist has been away for a long time and is experiencing the passage of time.
And I'm mad.
The singer is frustrated or angry about their situation.
It ain't right, It ain't right,
The situation is unfair or unjust.
Your frontline days are done.
The subject has moved on from a previous role or position of power.
And I'm sad.
The artist is feeling down or hopeless about their circumstances.
We don't need all your sorrow,
The artist is urging the subject to move on from their past and not dwell on negative emotions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DNKOTOR
One of the greatest albums of the 2000's.
@Boohan72
This guy should be selling millions of records!
@savethewhales7256
Came here from Samuraiguitarist. Im not disappointed
@Yes-kn6zm
same g
@guavasmoothie5516
Ayyy I'm with you
@colinconaway1914
Me too
@gabrielemariaesposito3971
Same
@vinylmason
Same here.Sounds good.
@thebeststuntmanever4179
Just saw him in Buffalo where I live, there was about 150 people in a small club, Matt and his band put on a great show!! What a treat to see him live, thanks Matt!!
@daveenglish107
Never heard of this guy before today, but this is some great music