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.
Future's Here
Matt Nathanson Lyrics
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and the sun can power cities
and my car can drive itself
it's beautiful or tragic sometime's it's hard to tell if it's science fiction magic or just rome before it fell
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
so what's the use in all the miracles that i got science and progress got nothing on sunsets feet in the sand, making plans in the dark
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
built one twenty stories high
it looks over the park and it's state of the art couldn't afford it if we tried
the more that you remember
the more you wanna fix
it's like trying to swim the ocean
with your backpack full of bricks
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
so what's the use in all the miracles that i got science and progress got nothing on sunsets feet in the sand, making plans in the dark
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
memories turn to mountains too many to count
a million little shadows fading me to black
we used to say the past was all rose colored glasses
but the best of me is gone and it's never coming back
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
so what's the use in all the miracles that i got science and progress got nothing on sunsets feet in the sand, holding hands in the dark oh yeah, the future's here
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not you're not, you're not, you're not, you're not.
In "Future's Here" by Matt Nathanson, the lyrics explore the theme of technological advancements and the contrast between the present and past. The opening lines suggest a world where technology has become so advanced that it knows what the singer is thinking and can perform tasks effortlessly. The mention of the sun powering cities and cars driving themselves emphasizes the wonders of modern science, blurring the line between science fiction and reality.
However, the lyrics suggest a sense of loneliness and longing for someone who is absent, as the singer acknowledges that despite being in a futuristic world, the person they desire is not there. This absence diminishes the value of all the technological miracles surrounding them. The mention of Rome before it fell alludes to a time when grand civilizations crumbled, creating a contrast between the advancement of technology and the vulnerability of human relationships.
The second paragraph introduces the theme of change and nostalgia. The singer reflects on how their old apartment was torn down and replaced with a state-of-the-art building they can no longer afford. The mention of trying to swim the ocean with a backpack full of bricks symbolizes the difficulty of carrying emotional baggage while navigating a changing world. The absence of the desired person further amplifies the feelings of loss and frustration.
The third paragraph delves deeper into the impact of memories, depicting them as mountains that are too numerous to count. The shadows fading the singer to black signify the overwhelming weight of these memories and how they overshadow the present. The line about the past being seen through rose-colored glasses implies that nostalgia often enhances the positive aspects of past experiences. However, the acknowledgement that the best of the singer is gone and can never be reclaimed suggests a sense of grief and the impossibility of returning to that idealized past.
In the final refrain, the repeated phrase "the future's here but you're not" emphasizes the central theme of the song. The miracles of science and progress, represented by sunsets, feet in the sand, and making plans in the dark, cannot fill the void left by the absence of the desired person. Despite the advancements of the world, the singer yearns for the presence and connection of their loved one, making the future feel incomplete and bittersweet. The repetition of "you're not" emphasizes the longing and the stark contrast between the technological wonders of the present and the emotional void created by the absence of the desired person.
Line by Line Meaning
my phone knows what i'm thinking yeah, i never have to spell
Technology has advanced to the point where my phone can predict my thoughts, eliminating the need for me to type or spell out my messages.
and the sun can power cities
Solar energy has become advanced enough that it can efficiently provide power for entire cities.
and my car can drive itself
Automobiles now possess the ability to operate autonomously, without requiring human control or intervention.
it's beautiful or tragic sometime's it's hard to tell if it's science fiction magic or just rome before it fell
The progress and innovations of the present can be both awe-inspiring and sorrowful, making it difficult to distinguish between futuristic miracles and the downfall of ancient civilizations like Rome.
so what's the use in all the miracles that i got science and progress got nothing on sunsets feet in the sand, making plans in the dark
Despite the advancements, the absence of your presence renders the wonders of science and progress meaningless in comparison to the simple joy of watching sunsets, feeling the sand under our feet, and making plans together in the darkness.
they tore down our old apartment
Our previous residence was demolished, indicating a significant change or development in our lives.
built one twenty stories high
A new apartment building has been constructed, reaching a remarkable height of twenty stories.
it looks over the park and it's state of the art couldn't afford it if we tried
The new apartment offers a breathtaking view of the park and is equipped with the latest technological advancements. However, it is beyond our financial means to be able to afford it.
the more that you remember the more you wanna fix
As memories resurface, the desire to mend and rectify past mistakes grows stronger.
it's like trying to swim the ocean with your backpack full of bricks
Attempting to overcome challenges and move forward in life feels as daunting as swimming across the vast expanse of the ocean while carrying a backpack filled with heavy bricks.
memories turn to mountains too many to count
The accumulation of memories becomes overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable, akin to numerous towering mountains that cannot be quantified.
a million little shadows fading me to black
The multitude of regrets and shadows of the past gradually consume and darken one's sense of self.
we used to say the past was all rose-colored glasses
In the past, we often romanticized and viewed the past through an optimistic lens, seeing everything in a positive light.
but the best of me is gone and it's never coming back
Unfortunately, the most excellent version of myself has been lost, and there is no possibility of reclaiming or retrieving it.
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not
Despite the advancements and progress in the present, the absence of your presence makes it feel as if the future has arrived, but you are not a part of it.
oh yeah, the future's here but you're not you're not, you're not, you're not, you're not.
Reiterating the disconnect between the present reality and the absence of your presence, emphasizing your nonexistence in the future.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Matt Nathanson, Sean Douglass
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aleksieua
❤
@ziegunerweiser
science and progress got nothing on sunsets
@shpofdrmz27
Love this song so much!
@sarahelizabeth1279
God I love this intro.
@scandalwubz4781
yo i literally love this song. .. you have no idea. im going to remix it. but your producers neeeeeddd to up the piano guitar bass this is one of my favorite songs... and it really hurts that you did sooo good vocally and the production of it didn't come together. great art homie.
@tealquartz
I don't know where to start...
I suppose I'll begin here. Unfortunately, I was turned on to Matt's music by a terribly abusive boyfriend. He was 26 & I was 19. I was young and innocent and could go on for hours about how unprepared I was for his abuse.
He cane across as such a deep intellectual. At the time, I fell for it, too. I know I should have known better, but I was smitten. He was rich. He abused me physically, mentally & emotionally... to the point where I completely lost who I was. I'm still so embarrassed that I allowed him to do that to me.
I should have been stronger.
The only good thing that came out of that relationship was him introducing me to Matt's music. He'd play it while he was still in a good mindset.
Those 3 years were the worst of my life.
I finally got up the courage to leave him, after speaking the truth to both his family and mine.
I'm now in a loving marriage with an incredible man and feel genuine love & support every day.
I pray for his wife (and/or possible kids) everyday.