As well as his solo work, White is known as the leader of the avant-garde jazz big band Fight the Big Bull (for whom he composes and arranges all music) and a former member of rock band The Great White Jenkins.
White released his debut album as a leader, Big Inner, in August 2012.
Circle 'Round The Sun
Matthew E. White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's never been
I walk the hard road
Tried to take care of my children
And I'm just passing through
But, Lord, we have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home then what shall I do?
Like the circle 'round the sun
Help the ones who find me here
Understand what I have done
I'm screaming and a-crying
I'm seeking shelter from the storm
Put your arms around me, Jesus, tonight
Hand in hand
But do you know where we're going?
Hand in hand
I'll go where you lead me
Wrap your arms around you, Jesus
Move the wind across the sea
In the morning, when the sun is low
I keep your company
But waiting in the water, Lord
Keep my son and daughter
Put your arms around me, Jesus, tonight
It does not frighten me at all
It does not frighten me at all
To go behind the storm
And behind the night
You are there to comfort me
You are there to comfort me
Sleeping in your arms
There'll be peace tonight
The opening verse of Matthew E. White's song Circle 'Round the Sun establishes a theme of the transience of life on earth, emphasizing that this world does not feel like a true home. The singer speaks of walking a hard road and trying to protect their children, but ultimately realizes they are only passing through. This sense of unease and restlessness is juxtaposed with an abiding faith in Jesus; the singer acknowledges that heaven may be their true home, but they find solace in the idea of being cradled in the arms of the Lord.
The chorus "Wrap your arms around me, Jesus/Like the circle 'round the sun" makes use of powerful metaphorical language, comparing the all-encompassing nature of Jesus' love to the continuous cycle of day and night. The following verses echo this sentiment, with the singer imagining going hand in hand with Jesus, trusting in his guidance even when they are unsure of their destination. The final verse is especially poignant as the singer expresses a lack of fear in facing the unknown, drawing comfort from the belief that Jesus will be with them in the end.
Overall, Circle 'Round the Sun is a song about the constant push and pull between fear and faith, with Matthew E. White's soulful vocals bringing to life the significance of trust and comfort in uncertain times.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that this world's not my home
I realize that this world is not where I am meant to exist permanently
It's never been
This feeling has always been present within me
I walk the hard road
The path I am taking is difficult and challenging
Tried to take care of my children
I have made an effort to provide for and protect my offspring
And I'm just passing through
I am merely traversing this world temporarily
But, Lord, we have no friend like you
Despite this, there is no companion quite like you, Lord
If heaven's not my home then what shall I do?
I am unsure how to act if what awaits me after this world is not my true abode
So wrap your arms around me, Jesus
Envelop me in your embrace, Jesus
Like the circle 'round the sun
Embrace me securely, just like the sun's orbit around the earth
Help the ones who find me here
Assist the individuals who may come across me during my journey
Understand what I have done
Provide them with an awareness and comprehension of my actions
I'm screaming and a-crying
I am expressing intense emotions of distress and agony
I'm seeking shelter from the storm
I am in search of a place to find protection from the tempest
Put your arms around me, Jesus, tonight
Extend your arms and encircle me, Jesus, this very night
Hand in hand
Together, side by side
But do you know where we're going?
Although we are together, do you, Jesus, know the destination?
I'll go where you lead me
I will follow you, Jesus, towards where you guide me
Wrap your arms around you, Jesus
Wrap your own arms, Jesus, around yourself
Move the wind across the sea
Control the wind that blows over the ocean
In the morning, when the sun is low
At dawn, when the sun starts to rise
I keep your company
I keep you company, Jesus
But waiting in the water, Lord
However, my offspring are waiting in the water, Lord
Keep my son and daughter
Watch over and protect my children
Put your arms around me, Jesus, tonight
Wrap me in your embrace, Jesus, tonight
It does not frighten me at all
The idea does not induce any fear within me
To go behind the storm
To move beyond the difficult and trying experiences
And behind the night
And past the darkness
You are there to comfort me
You are always present to provide solace and reassurance
Sleeping in your arms
Sleeping peacefully while held in your embrace
There'll be peace tonight
Tonight, there will be a feeling of tranquility and calmness
Contributed by Caleb O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.