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.
Laid
Matt Nathanson Lyrics
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The neighbors complain about the noises above
But she only comes when she's on top
My therapist said not to see you no more
She said you're like a disease without any cure
She said I'm so obsessed that I'm becoming a bore, oh no
Caught your hand inside the till
Slammed your fingers in the door
Fought with kitchen knives and skewers
Dressed me up in women's clothes
Messed around with gender roles
Line my eyes and call me pretty
Moved out of the house so you moved next door
I locked you out you cut a hole in the wall
I found you sleeping next to me I thought I was alone
You're driving me crazy when are you coming home
Laid laid
These lyrics are from Matt Nathanson's song "Laid" which is a cover of the original song by James. The first verse talks about a passionate sexual relationship that is so loud that the neighbors complain. The woman in the relationship only wants to be on top, which could symbolize her desire for control in the relationship. However, the second verse takes a dark turn as it mentions the singer's therapist advising him to break off the relationship. The therapist describes the woman as a disease and warns the singer that his obsession with her is becoming boring. The chorus then repeats the word "laid," which could be interpreted as either the act of sex or being emotionally vulnerable.
The third verse continues with the theme of a problematic relationship. The singer accuses the woman of stealing, injuring herself with a door, and engaging in violent behavior with kitchen knives and skewers. The mention of cross-dressing and playing with gender roles could suggest that the woman is experimenting with her sexuality. The final line, "line my eyes and call me pretty," could symbolize the singer's willingness to be transformed by the woman in the relationship.
The final verse is a bit confusing as it seems to switch between different perspectives. The singer states that he moved out but the woman moved in next door and cut a hole in the wall to get to him. He then discovers her sleeping next to him, leading him to question his own sanity. The final line, "you're driving me crazy when are you coming home," could be interpreted as a cry for help or a desire for the woman to return and continue the tumultuous relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
This bed is on fire with passionate love
This bed is teeming with overwhelming passion and love that sets our hearts ablaze.
The neighbors complain about the noises above
Our love-making is so loud and intense that it bothers the neighbors living above us.
But she only comes when she's on top
She is passionate and assertive, taking charge in the relationship and only allowing her pleasure when she is the one in control.
My therapist said not to see you no more
My therapist advised me to avoid seeing you anymore, to end this toxic relationship that is doing more harm than good.
She said you're like a disease without any cure
My therapist likened you to a disease, an affliction that has no known cure, insinuating the detrimental impact you have on me.
She said I'm so obsessed that I'm becoming a bore, oh no
My therapist also claimed that my obsession with you is making me tedious and uninteresting, a fact I do not wish to be true.
Ah you think you're so pretty
You are self-absorbed and obsessed with your physical appearance, conceited in your beauty.
Caught your hand inside the till
You were caught stealing from the cash register, proving that you are not as great as you present yourself to be.
Slammed your fingers in the door
Your recklessness caused you to injure your own hands by slamming them in the door, a result of your own carelessness.
Fought with kitchen knives and skewers
We engaged in dangerous and violent arguments, using kitchen knives and skewers, in a dysfunctional and toxic relationship.
Dressed me up in women's clothes
You forced me to dress in women's clothing, displaying your tendency to play with gender roles and your manipulative nature.
Messed around with gender roles
You exhibited a blasé attitude towards traditional gender roles, which resulted in our relationship being fraught with confusion and misunderstandings.
Line my eyes and call me pretty
You wanted me to look pretty and feminine, even going as far as applying eyeliner to make me appear more like a woman.
Moved out of the house so you moved next door
After our relationship ended, you moved nearby, perpetuating what is now an unhealthy and detrimental attachment.
I locked you out you cut a hole in the wall
I tried to prevent you from entering my life, yet you found a way in by cutting a hole in the wall, breaching healthy boundaries.
I found you sleeping next to me I thought I was alone
Despite my efforts to be rid of you, you still manage to infiltrate my life, lying silently next to me and taking a toll on my peace of mind.
You're driving me crazy when are you coming home
Your constant presence in my life is driving me insane, yet I still find myself yearning for your return, entangled in this toxic web.
Laid laid
The title of the song, implies that despite its turbulent nature, the passion and lust in this relationship still prevailed and captured the essence of our connection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Timothy Booth, Lawrence Gott, James Glennie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind