Matt Nathanson (born March 28, 1973 in Lexington, Massachusetts) is a singe… Read Full Bio ↴Matt Nathanson (born March 28, 1973 in Lexington, Massachusetts) is a singer-songwriter whose work is a blend of folk and rock music. In addition to singing, he plays acoustic and electric guitar (usually a twelve-string), and has played both solo and with a full band.

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.

Soundtrack
Matt Nathanson Lyrics

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i heard the city sing
the night that we met
it hung in the air like the moon we kissed in the bowery

and ditched all your friends
to watch the sunrise from your roof
music saved my life
it lit me like flare guns in the night turned all my nightmares into dreams it was everything

now it's just the soundtrack to weekends, days in your bed,
while we sleep in and i watch you dress
to the sound of a symphony playing for two, music used to be everything to me
now, it's just the soundtrack to you
drunk at pagoda waited 1/2 the night
to sing tiny dancer at dawn
there wasn't one person who got the words right but the whole room sang along
weekends
days in your bed
while we sleep in and i watch you dress
to the sound of a symphony playing for two music used to be everything to me
now, it's just the soundtrack to
you and i walking through chinatown talking about places that we'll never see
A train to rockaway, pizza on paper plates watching the waves on the beach
music saved my life
lit me like flare guns in the night turned all my nightmares into dreams it was everything
weekends,
days in your bed,
while we sleep in and i watch you dress

to the sound of a symphony playing for two, music used to be everything to me
now, it's just the soundtrack to you

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Matt Nathanson's song "Soundtrack" depict the singer reminiscing about a past relationship that was filled with music and intense emotions. In the first paragraph, the singer recalls the night they met, where the city seemed alive and vibrant like a song. The phrase "it hung in the air like the moon we kissed in the bowery" suggests a magical and unforgettable encounter.

In the second paragraph, the lyrics describe how the singer and their partner would isolate themselves from the world and enjoy intimate moments together. The phrase "to watch the sunrise from your roof" symbolizes the beauty and serenity they experienced in each other's presence. The mention of music saving the singer's life and transforming their nightmares into dreams indicates the profound impact it had on their emotional well-being. However, the lyrics also imply that the significance of music has diminished in their current situation, becoming merely the soundtrack to their weekends and moments spent together.

The third paragraph depicts a memorable drinking session at "pagoda" where the singer's desire to sing "Tiny Dancer" at dawn symbolizes their willingness to express vulnerability and passion. Despite the fact that no one in the room correctly remembered the lyrics, the unity and joy of everyone singing along resonated with the singer. This scene serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and create shared experiences.

In the final paragraph, the lyrics mention the couple walking through Chinatown, discussing places they may never see. This represents their shared desires and dreams. The train ride to "Rockaway" and the scene of eating pizza on paper plates while watching the waves on the beach carry a sense of simplicity and contentment. However, the lyrics again emphasize the changed perspective of the singer, recognizing that music has shifted from being everything in their life to now simply being the soundtrack that accompanies their time spent together.

Overall, these lyrics explore the theme of music as a transformative force that once held profound significance in the singer's life. However, as their relationship evolves, music becomes a backdrop to their experiences rather than the driving force it used to be. The lyrics evoke nostalgic longing for the intensity of past feelings while acknowledging the beauty and significance of the connection shared with their partner.

Line by Line Meaning

i heard the city sing
I was able to notice the vibrant energy and rhythm of the city

the night that we met
The specific evening when we first encountered each other

it hung in the air like the moon we kissed in the bowery
The atmosphere of the city felt magical and reminiscent of the moonlit kiss we shared in the Bowery

and ditched all your friends
You chose to leave behind your companions

to watch the sunrise from your roof
We stayed on your rooftop to witness the beauty of the sunrise

music saved my life
Music had a profound impact on my existence, providing solace and purpose

it lit me like flare guns in the night turned all my nightmares into dreams it was everything
Music illuminated me like bursts of flares in the darkness, transforming my fears into aspirations; it held great significance

now it's just the soundtrack to weekends, days in your bed
Currently, music serves as mere background accompaniment to our leisurely weekends and intimate moments in bed

while we sleep in and i watch you dress
As we lazily sleep in, I observe you getting ready and enjoy the sight

to the sound of a symphony playing for two, music used to be everything to me
We engage in our daily activities with the backdrop of a symphony that feels tailored for our relationship; previously, music held immense significance in my life

now, it's just the soundtrack to you
Nowadays, music serves as a backdrop solely related to your presence

drunk at pagoda waited 1/2 the night
Inebriated at the pagoda, we impatiently waited for half the night

to sing tiny dancer at dawn
We eagerly wanted to sing 'Tiny Dancer' as the sun rose

there wasn't one person who got the words right but the whole room sang along
Although no one in the room knew the lyrics perfectly, everyone enthusiastically joined in the singing

you and i walking through chinatown talking about places that we'll never see
Together, we stroll through Chinatown, engaging in discussions about the destinations we may never actually visit

A train to rockaway, pizza on paper plates watching the waves on the beach
Imagining a trip to Rockaway on a train, enjoying pizza served on disposable plates while observing the ocean waves

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Matt Nathanson, Nolan Sipe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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