Dear’s first single was 1999’s "Hands Up For Detroit" (co-produced by ghettotech pioneer Disco D, who performed under the name Daisha). Successive singles, such as "Stealing Moves" and the chart-topping "Mouth to Mouth" (as Audion) were issued on Spectral Sound, Ghostly’s offshoot that focuses on dancefloor music.
Matthew Dear’s 2003 full-length Ghostly debut, "Leave Luck to Heaven", is a suite of sparse, wickedly funky house laced with Dear’s deep, distinctive vocals, and includes the much-loved single “Dog Days” (voted one of Pitchfork’s Top 100 Songs of the decade). The record was met with rapturous acclaim from both the dance-music establishment and the critical press, including a four-star review in Rolling Stone. Dear’s 2007 follow-up, "Asa Breed", is a considerable departure from Heaven’s dancefloor excursions, incorporating the polyrhythms of afrobeat, the irreverent pop sensibilities of Brian Eno, and the austere beauty of krautrock. More four-stars reviews followed (Q and Mojo magazines), and Dear subsequently began touring with a live three-piece band, Matthew Dear’s Big Hands, in which he acted as frontman, commanding the stage with a Bryan Ferry-like swagger and a gentleman’s grace.
Today, Matthew Dear finds himself in a unique position. His highly anticipated fourth album, 2010’s Black City, is the culmination of years of hard work and experimentation, a darkly playful sound-world that envelops the listener like the arms of a malevolent lover. After over a decade of exploring pop’s outer limits, Matthew Dear now inhabits a rarefied corner of the musical universe: no longer tethered to any one genre, respected by his peers, and blessed with a bottomless well of creative energy. Now is Matthew Dear’s moment, and it sounds like nothing else.
Up & Out
Matthew Dear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Floating through life, isn't it great?
But she disagrees, she thinks I'm a fraud
Lapping it up, I feed on applause
Wasting the days, sucking my thumb
Sleeping around, nothing gets done
But it's a disease I cannot afford to shake
Where haven't I been? Isn't it great?
It's passion underwater
Like burning underwater
The movement of the ocean is tired of the water
It's passion
The lyrics of Matthew Dear's Up & Out appear to describe the internal conflict of the singer's self-worth, as they vacillate between a belief in their own greatness and a nagging sense of being fraudulent. The singer describes themselves as floating through life without direction, enjoying the applause of others but feeling as though they are wasting time and not accomplishing anything meaningful. Ironically, the singer seems to revel in their own lack of progress, suggesting that they are anything but a mistake, and that their aimless wandering through life is something to be celebrated rather than condemned. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that the singer is caught in a cycle of self-doubt and self-aggrandizement, unable to fully shake off either impulse and thus remaining stuck somewhere in the middle.
The chorus of the song provides further insight into the singer's inner turmoil, describing their passion as a kind of fire burning underwater. The movement of the ocean, which might be seen as a symbol of progress and forward motion, is tired of the water, suggesting a certain futility or stagnancy. The repetition of the word passion in this section seems to point to the singer's deep yearning for a sense of purpose or direction, even as they struggle to find it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not convinced I'm a mistake
Despite my uncertainties, I refuse to believe that I am a failure or disappointment.
Floating through life, isn't it great?
I'm aimlessly living life without purpose, and it's wonderful according to me.
But she disagrees, she thinks I'm a fraud
Someone close to me believes I'm a fake or imposter, which conflicts with my self-perception.
Lapping it up, I feed on applause
I thrive on praise and admiration, which drives me to pursue more attention and validation from others.
Wasting the days, sucking my thumb
I'm idly wasting time and not taking advantage of opportunities, perhaps due to lack of motivation, direction, or confidence.
Sleeping around, nothing gets done
I'm engaging in promiscuous or recreational activities that don't lead to progress or achievement, probably as a way to escape or distract from my problems.
But it's a disease I cannot afford to shake
I'm aware that my behavior or mindset is problematic or unhealthy, but I can't seem to overcome or control it without serious consequences.
Where haven't I been? Isn't it great?
I've explored many places and experiences, and I find it thrilling and satisfying to keep seeking novelty and excitement.
Contributed by Jackson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.