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.
Take It On Faith
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You feel it too
Coming at you through the tall grass
My lies come through
Cause then I'm frozen instead of you, and
Watch me laugh, sad injury the first degree
Set yourself free
Take it on faith, my love
Baby just one time,
Picture life from my eyes
Take it on faith, my love
I know you
All my leafs they fall for you
You fall in too
Cause I'm sinkin' with the northern sun
I don't know you but I feel you
You feel it too
Sad
Set yourself free
Take it on faith, my love
Baby just one time,
Picture life from my eyes
Take it on faith, my love
I know you
I never knew her
Have a little faith
Give it now
You meant forever, die
Kill my mind, so have a lil' faith
Show a little love,
Give a little heart
Take it on faith, my love
Baby just one time,
Picture life from my eyes
Just one time
Picture life from my eyes
Yeah
Take it on faith, my love
Baby just one time,
Picture life from my eyes
Yeah
Take it on faith, my love
Take it on faith, my love
Take it on faith, my love
Take it on faith, my love
The opening lines of "Take It On Faith" by Matt Mays express a feeling of connection with someone else, despite not knowing them well. This sense of "feeling each other" is a powerful one that many of us can relate to, as we've all felt instinctive connections with others that are hard to explain. The reference to "tall grass" suggests a metaphorical landscape in which the singer and the person they're addressing are both navigating unknown territory, maybe even hidden danger.
The second verse suggests a sense of vulnerability and the singer's tendency to lie in order to protect themselves from being hurt by the other person's rejection. The phrase "Sad injury the first degree" could suggest that the singer has been hurt before, and is now dealing with the aftermath of that pain. The chorus encourages the other person to "take it on faith," to trust in the singer and try to see things from their perspective. This phrasing suggests a plea for understanding, as the singer is trying to communicate something important to the other person that they might not be able to see for themselves.
The final section of the song contains a few different themes, including the idea of "having faith" and love. The singer acknowledges that they "never knew" the other person, but still urges them to "have a little faith," perhaps indicating a desire for a fresh start or a stronger connection. The line "You meant forever, die" could be interpreted as a kind of acceptance of the impermanence of our earthly lives - even if we don't know each other well, we can still make the most of our time together. Overall, "Take It On Faith" is a song about connection, vulnerability, and the importance of trust in building meaningful relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I don't know you but I feel you
I'm not familiar with you, but I can feel your presence.
You feel it too
Coming at you through the tall grass
You're aware of it as well, just like how you sense something approaching amidst the grassy fields.
My lies come through
Cause then I'm frozen instead of you, and
Watch me laugh, sad injury the first degree
Set yourself free
When I lie, I'm the one who's affected and trapped, and it just causes sadness and injury. So, let yourself be liberated and free.
Take it on faith, my love
Baby just one time,
Picture life from my eyes
Take it on faith, my love
I know you
Please trust me just once, my love, and see the world through my perspective. I believe I know what you're feeling.
All my leafs they fall for you
You fall in too
Cause I'm sinkin' with the northern sun
As autumn comes, I fall for you, and I see that you fall for me as well. It's because we're sinking down with the cold Northern sun.
Sad
Set yourself free
It's saddening, but you deserve to break free.
I never knew her
Have a little faith
Give it now
You meant forever, die
Kill my mind, so have a lil' faith
Show a little love,
Give a little heart
I never had the chance to meet her. So, please trust me a little, give your faith now. You promised forever, so please don't let it die. With your trust, erase my negative thoughts and show me your love.
Just one time
Picture life from my eyes
Yeah
Just try seeing things from my angle, just once. Yes, it really isn't that difficult!
Take it on faith, my love
Take it on faith, my love
Take it on faith, my love
Take it on faith, my love
So, please trust me with the things I say, and take it all on faith, my love.
Contributed by Scarlett H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.