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.
Wasn't Meant To Be
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back in 1973
When I fell fast and hard
To where the ocean hits the sea
Thought that I was gonna die
I guess it wasn't meant to be
It's been goin' on forever
Making all of the decisions
There ain't nothin' that they don't see
Thought I had it figured out
I guess it wasn't meant to be
Goodbye baby
You have got to choose
All these things in this life
That you got to lose
Don't you feel bad, babe
Don't you feel good
'Cause you've got no control, babe
They control you
Together in the fog
On a hurricane storage shed
When I fell fast and hard
Such a woman to me
Thought that we would last forever
I guess it wasn't meant to be
Thought that we would last forever
I guess it wasn't meant to be
Oooh
I guess it wasn't meant to be
Oooh
I guess it wasn't meant to be
Oooh
The song "Wasn't Meant To Be" by Matt Mays tells a story of a person who falls from space and lands in the ocean. The person thought that they were going to die but they survived. However, they realize that their life is being controlled by someone, something, or some force higher than themselves. They thought they had everything figured out but they were wrong. The song talks about love and the loss of it. The singer had a deep connection with a woman but it didn't last. In the end, the singer accepts their lack of control over their life and the inevitability of things that just weren't meant to be.
The lyrics are full of symbolic and metaphorical meaning. The first line, "I was lost in space alone, back in 1973" is a nod to the year that David Bowie released "Space Oddity". The line "When I fell fast and hard to where the ocean hits the sea" can be interpreted as falling in love and the ocean representing the unpredictability of life. The line "Making all of the decisions, there ain't nothin' that they don't see" refers to the idea that there are unseen forces controlling our lives, whether it be fate, destiny, or a higher power. The chorus "Goodbye baby, you have got to choose, all these things in this life that you got to lose" speaks to the idea of having to make tough decisions in life and the sacrifices that come with them.
Line by Line Meaning
I was lost in space alone
I felt isolated and disconnected from the rest of the world
Back in 1973
This happened a long time ago
When I fell fast and hard
I experienced a sudden, intense emotion
To where the ocean hits the sea
I fell somewhere that seemed redundant or unnecessary
Thought that I was gonna die
I feared for my life
I guess it wasn't meant to be
I accepted the situation and moved on
It's been goin' on forever
This has been happening for a long time
These eyes watchin' from somewhere
There's a higher power or authority overseeing everything
Making all of the decisions
They are in control of everything
There ain't nothin' that they don't see
They are all-knowing
Thought I had it figured out
I believed I had a solid plan
Goodbye baby
Farewell, my love
You have got to choose
You need to make a decision
All these things in this life
There are many things at stake
That you got to lose
That you stand to lose
Don't you feel bad, babe
Don't feel guilty
Don't you feel good
Don't get too excited or confident
'Cause you've got no control, babe
You have no power or influence over the situation
They control you
The higher power or authority is in charge
Together in the fog
We were lost and confused
On a hurricane storage shed
In a dangerous and unstable place
Such a woman to me
She meant a lot to me
Thought that we would last forever
I believed our relationship was solid
Oooh
Expressing emotion or pain
I guess it wasn't meant to be
The relationship ended and I've accepted it
Oooh
Expressing emotion or pain
I guess it wasn't meant to be
The relationship ended and I've accepted it
Oooh
Expressing emotion or pain
Contributed by Riley T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Linda Werner
This is my CDN saviour and constant immense musical joy. Seen you live Matt several times always SO memorable, thank you for your talent.
weedman513
This is one of his best!!! What album is this from??
Cosmo Gamer
not on an official album
Hustlerae
where has matt mays been all of my life!
Shirley de Vooght
See you in Kamloops!