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.
Detroit Waves
Matt Nathanson Lyrics
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Knowing now how all our best intentions
Never lit the world on fire
Lights, illuminate the exit signs
And over the wings the skies an open endless sea
Crowding up surrounding me
And all, Detroit waves
Spread out
Beneath
Me now
If I could, if I could change
Believe me
I would, I would for you
(My love)
And when, you're warm enough to share your sheets
Cold enough to make it seem that I was only there long enough to disappear
You know I'll still, say your name to fall asleep
Over and over a cynic saying rosary
A liar living make believe
And all, of Detroit waves
Goodnight
Spread out
Beneath
Me now
If I could, if I could change
Believe me
I would, yes I would
And Detroit waves
And Detroit waves, goodnight
Spread out
Beneath me now
If I could
If I could change
Believe me
I would
Yes I would
And Detroit Waves
Detroit Waves
The song Detroit Waves by Matt Nathanson is a reflection on a past relationship, an acknowledgment of the mistakes made and a desire to start anew. The opening lines, "So, we let it go to start again," suggest a willingness to move forward, in spite of any past hurts or regrets. The lyrics express a sense of resignation with not having been able to make a bigger impact with one's best intentions, illustrated by the line "Knowing now how all our best intentions never lit the world on fire." The image of illuminated exit signs suggests the recognition that sometimes it's best to let go of what doesn't serve us.
The chorus repeats the title phrase, "Detroit Waves," as a kind of mantra. The waves could symbolize the ups and downs of the relationship and the cycles of life. It's interesting that Nathanson is not from Detroit and has said that he chose the title because he liked the way the words sounded together. The final verse addresses the pain of feeling disposable in a relationship, with the line "Cold enough to make it seem that I was only there long enough to disappear." The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, echoing the desire for change and renewal.
Line by Line Meaning
So, we let it go to start again
We decided to move on and begin anew
Knowing now how all our best intentions never lit the world on fire
We understand that despite our efforts, we were unable to make a significant impact
Lights, illuminate the exit signs
The lights guide us towards the way out
And over the wings the skies an open endless sea
Looking out the airplane window, we see the vast and limitless sky
Crowding up surrounding me
I am surrounded by a bustling and busy crowd
And all, Detroit waves. Goodnight. Spread out beneath me now.
I am saying goodbye to the city of Detroit, as I fly away and see it from above
If I could, if I could change. Believe me. I would, I would for you (My love)
I wish I could change things for the better, especially for you, my love
And when, you're warm enough to share your sheets. Cold enough to make it seem that I was only there long enough to disappear
When you welcome me into your bed and seem distant enough to make me feel temporary
You know I'll still, say your name to fall asleep. Over and over a cynic saying rosary. A liar living make believe
Even though I may be cynical and dishonest to myself, you still have a special place in my heart, and I often think of you before going to sleep
And all, of Detroit waves. Goodnight. Spread out beneath me now
Once again, I'm bidding farewell to Detroit, watching it disappear in the distance from above
If I could, if I could change. Believe me. I would. Yes, I would. And Detroit waves, Detroit waves
If I were capable, I would make things better, and I would try to make amends with the city of Detroit
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK WEINBERG, MATT NATHANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind