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.
Lucky Boy
Matt Nathanson Lyrics
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And look what good they've done me
I played support system, you played victim
And look at what good it's done
And you trip me up leave me strangled
With you awkward untouchable lips
It's a cruel world, I've found
You're so glorious, sp waste of time
You're the safety in lying
You are radiator heat, you're the winter blanket's sleep
You're the excuse that I use when I want to stop trying
And start waiting for the sky to fall
It's a cruel world, I've found
It's a cruel world, and I'm a lucky boy
It's a cruel world, I've found
It's a cruel world, and I'm a lucky boy
You're not gold to me
I was wrong
You're not gold and there'll be centuries left
When you're gone
The opening lyrics of Matt Nathanson's song Lucky Boy are a testament to the power of words. The singer of the song has taken someone's advice and followed their words to the letter. Despite this, the result has not been a positive one. The singer seems to have been playing a supportive role, while the other person has played the victim. The situation has resulted in the singer feeling 'strangled' as a result of the other person's 'awkward untouchable lips'. The power dynamic between the two is clearly imbalanced, with the other person leaving the singer feeling powerless.
The following lines seem to suggest that the other person is a hindrance to the singer's progress. They are described as 'glorious' but also a 'waste of time'. The other person is also described as a source of comfort, like a 'winter blanket's sleep'. However, this comfort seems to be holding the singer back, as it is described as an 'excuse' to stop trying. The singer seems to recognize this, but still finds it hard to let go of the other person. The song's title is a reference to the singer's feeling of being lucky, in spite of the difficult situation he finds himself in.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be about the power dynamics between two people in a relationship. The singer is struggling to assert himself and is being held back by someone who is either manipulative or simply unwilling to move forward. The lyrics are full of contradictions, with the other person being described as both comforting and stifling. The song is both a lament for a difficult situation and a recognition that the singer is lucky to have had the experience, regardless of the negative outcome.
Line by Line Meaning
Took your words like you said I should
I listened to you as you advised me to do
And look what good they've done me
However, it didn't work out as well as I thought it would
I played support system, you played victim
I took care of you while you pretended to be helpless
And look at what good it's done
But now I'm realizing it wasn't a healthy dynamic
And you trip me up leave me strangled
You confuse me and I feel trapped around you
With you awkward untouchable lips
Even your kisses feel uncomfortable and distant
You're so glorious, sp waste of time
You project a beautiful image, but it's all a facade and not worth my time
You're the safety in lying
You might be comforting, but it's based on false promises
You are radiator heat, you're the winter blanket's sleep
You provide temporary warmth, but it's not sustainable
You're the excuse that I use when I want to stop trying
I blame you for my lack of progress and motivation
And start waiting for the sky to fall
I become passive and expect the worst to happen
You're not gold to me
I thought you were valuable, but I was wrong
I was wrong
You don't hold as much importance as I previously thought
You're not gold and there'll be centuries left
Even though you won't last, the world will continue to move forward
When you're gone
After you're long gone
It's a cruel world, I've found
Life can be harsh and unforgiving
And I'm a lucky boy
But somehow, I've managed to survive it all
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK WEINBERG, MATT NATHANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind