Mattafix released their first single "11.30 (Dirtiest Trick In Town)" as a limited edition single on Buddhist Punk Records on 31st January 2005. Their first full single, "Big City Life", released by EMI on 8th August 2005 was a considerable hit, managing a #15 peak on the official UK chart, a big feat for a UK R&B/hip-hop group, and topped the charts in Germany, Czech, Austria and other European countries. Their third single, "Passer By" was released on 24th October 2005, unfortunately missing the UK top 75. The single preceded their debut album "Signs Of A Struggle", which was released a week later on 31st October 2005.
The group have toured with the likes of Jamiroquai and Joss Stone on their UK tours. The fourth single from their debut album, "Signs Of A Struggle" was "To & Fro", which features backing vocals from former Sugababe Siobhan Donaghy. The single was released as a download only single on 13th March 2006.
Big City Life debuted at #19 on the Australian Music Charts and reached #1 on the New Zealand Singles Chart.
Signs Of A Struggle was a Triple J feature album in April 2006.
In April 2010, Marlon Roudette made a video appearance where he spoke about recording and making the record in his home-based studio. However, via Facebook, it was announced that Roudette and Hirji had gone separate ways, due to their different new ideas for future projects, which has brought abundant attention to fans. He is yet to come up with his new artist name; whether to stay with the name Mattafix, or choose a new stage name; perhaps his own. "Mattafix presents...Marlon..." was a quote from a late 2010 YouTube video, as an updated possibility for his album title and/or stage name. Marlon Roudette has confirmed that the new album is "not a radical shift but definitely different. More instrumentation and more in depth musical compositions." Marlon Roudette has stated that the album is pretty much completed, but the album is still being "fine tuned". His first solo album Matter Fixed was released on 2 September 2011. His sophomore effort Electric Soul on 8 August 2014.
Clear and Present Danger
Mattafix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are the times what they're supposed to be?
Is leadership the same as treachery?
Will knighthood silence anarchy?
Sorry for the hurt.
Sorry that the destiny seems to be the ever clear and present danger.
The clear and present danger.
Headlines that fail to trace.
Land mines in a dossier.
Young, naive I may be.
Vietnam don't look that different to me.
Oh no, no.
And now, sorry for the hurt.
Sorry that the destiny seams to be the ever clear and present danger.
The clear and present danger.
Sorry for the hurt.
Sorry that the destiny seems to be the ever clear and present danger.
Your clear and present danger.
Young, naive I may be.
Vietnam don't look that different to me.
Oh no, oh no.
Sorry for the hurt.
Sorry that the destiny seems to be the ever clear and present danger.
The clear and present danger.
In the opening lines of Mattafix’s song “Clear and Present Danger,” the singer addresses someone named Rosemary and asks whether the current times are what they are meant to be. The use of the name Rosemary suggests a connection to remembrance and nostalgia, indicating that the singer is reflecting on the past and questioning whether current leadership is trustworthy or deceitful. The line “Will knighthood silence anarchy?” implies that those in positions of power may use their status to suppress anti-authoritarianism, further highlighting the theme of questioning authority.
The second verse touches on the idea of media bias and failure, with the line “Headlines that fail to trace” referencing the vetting of information. The reference to “land mines in a dossier” alludes to the use of fake information to justify military action, as seen in the lead up to the Iraq War. The singer then admits to their own naivety, comparing their understanding of contemporary political strife to the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War. The repeated refrain of “Sorry for the hurt” conveys a sense of contrition, possibly on behalf of those in power who have caused suffering for others.
Overall, “Clear and Present Danger” is a critical reflection on the state of current affairs, questioning the motives of leadership and expressing concern for the impact of decisions made by those in power. The use of historical references and emotional language creates a sense of urgency and personal investment in the issues discussed.
Line by Line Meaning
Pray tell sweet Rosemary,
Asking for an opinion on the current state of affairs.
Are the times what they're supposed to be?
Questioning if the present times are what they should ideally be.
Is leadership the same as treachery?
Raising a concern about how leadership can be associated with betrayal.
Will knighthood silence anarchy?
Expressing doubt about the possibility of end to chaos and confusion through traditional means.
Sorry for the hurt.
Apologizing for causing pain and suffering.
Sorry that the destiny seems to be the ever clear and present danger.
Expressing regret about the constant and looming threat to our future.
The clear and present danger.
Repeating the sentiment of a significant and immediate threat to our well-being.
Headlines that fail to trace.
Describing how media reports often overlook important details and context.
Land mines in a dossier.
Comparing dangerous secrets to hidden landmines waiting to explode.
Young, naive I may be.
Admitting a lack of experience and understanding.
Vietnam don't look that different to me.
Drawing a parallel between the current situation and historical conflicts or struggles.
Oh no, no.
Expressing disappointment and worry.
Your clear and present danger.
Referring to the danger faced individually or by a small group.
Contributed by Olivia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.