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.
Tall Trees
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two hundred years in the ground
Tall trees hangin' over the road
Feels like... they're starin' me doooowwwwn
It's in the way that they sway
It's the feeling I git
They just don't want me around
Tall trees hangin' over the road
Who's gonna love you when I'm gone?
Sittin' leaves to the wind
I'll give her to you in a while
And find... Somebody new in the Spring
When the sun melts snow
And the water runs down
A little lol river flow
And I laid with your tissy
In the grass tonight
And watch him, gro... gro... GROW OH OH OH
Sleep in the weight thing... smilin' bin
Gimme a ride downtown
Tall trees hangin' over the road
Feels like... they're starin' me doooowwwwn
Tall trees hangin' over the road
Feels like... they're starin' me doooowwwwn
Tall trees hangin' over the road
Feels like... they're starin' me doooowwwwn
They're starin' me doooowwwwn
They're starin' me DOOOOOOWWWWWWWN
(Amazing guitar solo)
OW OH OH UH OH OH (Repeat)
The lyrics of Matt Mays's song "Tall Trees" convey a sense of isolation and unease. The metaphor of tall trees hanging over the road represents a feeling of being watched and judged. The singer feels as though these trees don't want him around, and their swaying only intensifies this feeling. The question "Who's gonna love you when I'm gone?" suggests a fear of abandonment, wondering if anyone will care for him once he is no longer present.
The imagery of sitting leaves to the wind and giving someone to another person implies a sense of letting go and moving on. The mention of finding someone new in the spring symbolizes the possibility of starting fresh when nature rejuvenates. The reference to the sun melting snow and water running down represents a thawing of emotions and an opportunity for growth.
The lyrics also mention laying with someone in the grass and watching them grow. This could convey a sense of nurturing and caring for another person, finding happiness in their development. However, the line "Sleep in the weight thing... smilin' bin" is ambiguous and open to interpretation, possibly suggesting conflicting emotions or a hidden meaning.
Overall, "Tall Trees" depicts a mixture of introspection, longing, and a struggle against perceived judgment. It explores themes of loneliness, letting go, and the desire to be loved and accepted.
Line by Line Meaning
You're on a leek, Gonna sing you a song
You're in a difficult situation, but I'll cheer you up with a song
Two hundred years in the ground
These tall trees have been standing here for centuries
Tall trees hangin' over the road
The presence of these trees creates a feeling of intimidation
Feels like... they're starin' me doooowwwwn
I feel as if the trees are watching and judging me
It's in the way that they sway
The movement of the trees adds to the eerie atmosphere
It's the feeling I git
I get a strong sense of unease
They just don't want me around
The trees give off a vibe of not welcoming my presence
Who's gonna love you when I'm gone?
Who will care for you when I'm no longer here?
Sittin' leaves to the wind
Leaves being blown by the wind
I'll give her to you in a while
I'll let go of her eventually
And find... Somebody new in the Spring
I'll move on and find a new love when the season changes
When the sun melts snow
During the season when the snow is melting under the sun
And the water runs down
Water flowing down from the melting snow
A little lol river flow
A small, temporary river formed by the melting snow
And I laid with your tissy
I spent time with your sister or close friend
In the grass tonight
We spent time together under the stars
And watch him, gro... gro... GROW OH OH OH
We watched someone or something grow and develop
Sleep in the weight thing... smilin' bin
In a peaceful and content state of mind, with a smile
Gimme a ride downtown
Give me a ride to the city center
They're starin' me doooowwwwn
The trees continue to make me feel watched and judged
OW OH OH UH OH OH (Repeat)
Instrumental section of the song
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Matt Mays
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Lee
Most underated song in the history of music
Saltwater Acres
It’s 2021, and tall trees is still one of the best.
Jocelyn Proulx
Terminal Romance, is such an amazing CD. You never skip a single song, just a good CD to keep you company on these long crappy canadian highways.
catharine920
such an amazing song :) Love it!
JEEPNMINDEN
Just saw him at Fort York, Toronto last weekend. Damn he's great live. Sound was amazing and the whole time they were facing west in the 35 degree sun! I could barely handle it in the shade with my beer! How this guy isn't more famous is absolutely beyond me...new album was purchased as soon as i got home.
Foolish Madman
Never gets old 🤘
Elisabeth Tshaikovski
This is what needs to be playing on the radio!
Proud to be Canadian rn
Ben Baggio
best guitar riff since Van Halens unchained.. can't get enough of it
timvitkuske
This is a timeless rock instant classic. This guy is awesome.
Conor Power
Matt mays is close to a full greatest hits album already!