The Faster Songfacts says that his seventh studio album, Modern Love debuted on #17 on the Billboard 200 for the week of July 9, 2011, making it Nathanson's most successful album to date.
The members of his band have changed over the past years. Among others, he has been accompanied by Aben Eubanks on guitar, keys and vocals, but later replaced by Aaron Tap. John Thomasson has been his bassist since 2004. Jason McKenzie was on drums until Fall 2006; Nick Amoroso on two tours from Fall 2007 through Winter 2008. His current drummer is Konrad Meissner. Before 2005, Nathanson was often accompanied by cellist Matt Fish.
Church Clothes
Matt Nathanson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to cool my swollen tongue
I gorged myself on all that free good will
And left the others none
What I wear like church clothes,
You wear just like jewelry
All the simple things you revel in,
And I don't know anymore,
Wish someone would tell me who to be
Because I'm ready, I'm ready to try anything
I'm dazzled by glamor and camera angles,
The drama and swagger of fools
I sacrificed beauty once to chase after their parade
And spent my morning after
Crawling back to you
What I wear like church clothes,
You wear just like jewelry
All the simple things you revel in,
They just suffocate me
And I don't know anymore,
Wish someone would tell me who to be
Because I'm ready, I'm ready to try anything
I want to be
I want to be
I want to be brand new,
I want to trade in these wings
Mine don't work like yours do
What I wear like church clothes,
You wear just like jewelry
All the simple things you revel in,
They just suffocate me
And I don't know anymore,
Wish someone would tell me who to be
Because I'm ready, I'm ready to try anything
I'm ready, I am ready to try anything
I'm ready, I am ready to try anything
I'm ready to slow down
Slow, slow
"Church Clothes" by Matt Nathanson is a song that paints a picture of personal struggle with self-identity and relationships. The first couple of lines, "I've spent more than my share on temptation, trying to cool my swollen tongue" hints at the singer's indulgence in desire or addiction, which is further elucidated in the lines, "I gorged myself on all that free good will, and left the others none" depicting the habit of taking too much, perhaps even to the detriment of others. Nathanson then contrasts this behavior with that of someone else, describing their simplicity in dressing, jewelry, and appreciation for the little things, which he finds suffocating. The singer is looking for guidance on what to be, someone who can give him an identity or purpose.
Later in the song, the singer mentions being enamored by allure, camera angles, and callow bravado, while acknowledging the sacrifice he made to chase that world, ultimately finding it unfulfilling. He returns to the person who dresses simply and appreciates the simplistic things, realizing their value. In the end, the singer hopes to trade his wings for new ones to be like the person he admires.
The "Church Clothes" song is a poignant representation of someone struggling with their identity and surroundings, searching for more significant purpose and meaning. The song is relatable to anyone experiencing a crisis of identity, addictive behavior or feeling out of place in their environment.
Line by Line Meaning
I've spent more than my share on temptation
I have been indulging more than necessary in pleasurable activities
Trying to cool my swollen tongue
I am trying to abstain from consuming too much of what tempts me
I gorged myself on all that free good will
I accepted all the kindness from others without reciprocating it
And left the others none
I did not give anything in return to those who were kind to me
What I wear like church clothes,
My outward appearance is like conservative church attire
You wear just like jewelry
You wear your outward appearance like shiny, decorative trinkets
All the simple things you revel in,
You enjoy the simple pleasures of life
They just suffocate me
Those simple things overwhelm me
And I don't know anymore,
I am lost and uncertain
Wish someone would tell me who to be
I want guidance in discovering my true self
Because I'm ready, I'm ready to try anything
I am open to trying anything to find myself
I'm dazzled by glamor and camera angles,
I am drawn to superficiality and flashiness
The drama and swagger of fools
I am attracted to the theatrics and arrogance of foolish people
I sacrificed beauty once to chase after their parade
I gave up something beautiful to be part of their showy group
And spent my morning after
And the next day,
Crawling back to you
I returned to you because I realized that you are where my true happiness lies
I want to be
I desire to become
Brand new,
Completely renewed,
I want to trade in these wings
I want to change who I am
Mine don't work like yours do
I want to be more like you, a source of happiness through simplicity and genuine kindness
I'm ready to slow down
I am willing to take it easy and reassess myself
Slow, slow
I want to be more at peace and live in the present moment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind