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.
What Are We Gonna Do Come the Month of September
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The night ain't so young
Smoke is goin' in and out of your lungs
Puttin' you at ease
Swayin' in the breeze
In the warm light of the fire babe
Can't you feel it
Getting' higher
All your friends are there
Havin' such a good time
Wouldn't you agree
Down by the sea
In the warm light of the fire, babe
Can't you feel it getting higher
What are we gonna do come the month of September?
Looks like I'm loosin' you.
Loosin' you and loosin' me and…
The stars are brightly shinin'
The night ain't so young
Smoke is goin' in
and out of your lungs
puttin' you at ease
swayin' in the breeze
in the warm light of the flickerin' fire, babe
can't you feel us gettin' higher
and what are we gonna do come the month of September?
Looks like I'm loosin' you
Loosin' you and loosin' me and
Lookin' back now
We had it pretty good
There she goes pullin'up hard into the sun
Gone...
The lyrics to Matt Mays's song, What Are We Gonna Do Come the Month of September, showcase a fleeting moment captured in time. The song describes a gathering with friends at the beach, sitting by a fire, smoking, and having a good time. The bright stars and the warmth of the fire add to the relaxing and carefree atmosphere. However, amidst the laughter and the good times, the singer starts to wonder about the future. He asks, "What are we gonna do come the month of September?" indicating that he is worried about the end of summer and what it will bring. He realizes that he may be losing the person he is with and wonders if he will lose himself too.
The lyrics are evocative of a time and a place. They capture the essence of what it means to be young, carefree, and in love. The usage of the refrain, "Loosin' you and loosin' me and lookin' back now, we had it pretty good" creates a sense of nostalgia, longing, and regret. The singer realizes the beauty and value of the present moment and that it will not last forever. The song is a poignant reminder that sometimes we need to appreciate what we have before it's gone.
Line by Line Meaning
Starts are brightly shining
The night sky is illuminated with spectacular stars.
The night ain't so young
Despite the stars shining, the night is progressing and nearing its end.
Smoke is goin' in and out of your lungs
You inhale and exhale smoke, which seemingly relaxes you.
Puttin' you at ease
The smoke is calming and easing your mind and body.
Swayin' in the breeze
You're slowly moving back and forth in the wind.
In the warm light of the fire babe
The flickering firelight illuminates your surroundings with warmth.
Can't you feel it
Can't you sense the rising emotions?
Getting' higher
The emotions and sensations are intensifying.
All your friends are there
Your friends are present around you.
Havin' such a good time
They're enjoying themselves immensely.
Wouldn't you agree
Don't you think the same?
Down by the sea
You're by the seaside.
What are we gonna do come the month of September?
What's going to happen between us in September?
Looks like I'm loosin' you.
It appears as if you're slipping away from me.
Loosin' you and loosin' me and…
We're both losing each other.
Lookin' back now
Reflecting on the past.
We had it pretty good
We had a good time together previously.
There she goes pullin'up hard into the sun
She's leaving and moving forward with determination.
Gone...
She's left and disappeared from sight.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dakota Martin
Every song and album by this guy is damn amazing
Robert Plante
You are absolutely correct!!
Cory D
Mr.Mays & El Torpedo, Thank you for producing amazing music!
Zach Mazurek
actually the whole album is pretty amazing
Robert Plante
Matt really needs to get this back into the live set. It seems like Terminal Romance replaced it. Both are great tunes, but hearing this on the big stage again would make me a very happy guy!
bluebirdlinda
You have a wonderful sound all your own, but as I’m just getting acquainted with your music, it reminds me of the best of Tom Petty and Neil Young. Peace
Zach Mazurek
Such a great song
Shanessa Vienneau
this song = love
Mark Draycott
There she goes pullin' hard up into the sun
Gone...
Ryan2384
hidden gem lol