Good is a strong advocate for human rights, and is affiliated with Amnesty International.
He has also released a book entitled "At Last There Is Nothing Left to Say," consisting of a series of blog entries and manifestos he posted on Matthew Good Band's website before the band disbanded. As well as being a testament to why he continues to have a solid and devoted fan-base, the work showcases Matt's unique perspective, and the creative mind that is the source of his success.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 2002
Beauty
Matthew Good Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But also in the moth
There's beauty in the sinner
Before and after he got lost
There's beauty in the traitor
If freedom's on the line
There's beauty in the outcast
If beauty saves your life
And I keep on moving
Keep on moving
Maybe there's beauty in the mother
And in the father and the ghost
But then there's beauty in all others
If decency's the boast
There's beauty in the struggle
And beauty in the cost
If along the way the purpose
Was that beauty wasn't lost
Oh, there's beauty in the simple
And in the fury of extremes
There's even fury in injustice
If in return nobody swings
So I keep on moving
I keep on moving
Keep on moving
Well, there's beauty in the boxcars
And the wisdom of their saints
There's beauty in the moment
And in the turning of the page
There's beauty in the knowing
And the wishing that you could
Like magic ain't a miracle
Just your cards misunderstood
Well, there's beauty in our doing
Though diminished in our name
The same beauty in a snowfall
Is also in a flame
There's beauty in creation
As there's beauty in its loss
There's beauty in the sinner
Before and after he got lost
And I keep on moving
And I keep on moving
And I keep on moving
Keep on moving
The lyrics of this song reflect on the concept of beauty and how it can be found in various unexpected places and situations. The singer starts by acknowledging that beauty can be seen in something as delicate as a butterfly, but also in something as overlooked as a moth. This suggests that beauty can exist in both conventional and unconventional forms.
The next lines highlight that there is beauty even in people who are perceived as sinful or traitorous. The mention of the sinner and the traitor suggests that they had a personal transformation that resulted in their loss, but even in their state of being lost, there is beauty. This notion suggests that beauty is not solely determined by one's actions or reputation, but by the essence of their being.
The lyrics then expand to include the outcast, emphasizing that their beauty lies in their ability to save lives. This suggests that beauty can have a profound impact on individuals and can be a source of strength and redemption. The phrase "keep on moving" repeated throughout the song can be interpreted as a reaffirmation to continue seeking and appreciating beauty in all its forms.
The second paragraph broadens the perspective to encompass a wider range of individuals, acknowledging that beauty can be found in mothers, fathers, ghosts, and all others. It suggests that decency is a crucial aspect of beauty, implying that treating others with respect and kindness is a manifestation of beauty. The struggle and the price one pays for their principles are also seen as contributing to their beauty. The purpose is to ensure that beauty is not lost along the way.
Moving on, the lyrics mention boxcars and their wise saints, symbolizing the wisdom and resilience found in unexpected places. The turning of the page symbolizes change and growth, further emphasizing the fluid nature of beauty. The mention of magic and misunderstood cards suggests that beauty can sometimes be misinterpreted or overlooked, reminding listeners to look beyond the surface to fully appreciate it.
The lyrics also suggest that beauty exists in our actions, despite being diminished by the association with our name. This implies that the intention behind our actions holds importance in determining their beauty. The references to snowfall and flame highlight the contrast between gentleness and intensity, suggesting that beauty can exist in both tranquility and passion.
The final lines reiterate that beauty can be found in creation and its loss, emphasizing the transient nature of beauty. The repetition of "keep on moving" reaffirms the importance of actively seeking and appreciating beauty in all aspects of life, regardless of the challenges or losses faced.
Overall, the lyrics convey the idea that beauty is not limited to conventional norms but can be found in unexpected places, situations, and even individuals who may be considered outcasts. The song encourages listeners to embrace the diverse forms of beauty and to keep seeking and appreciating it throughout their journey in life.
Line by Line Meaning
There's beauty in the butterfly
The beauty that can be found in delicate and ephemeral things.
But also in the moth
Even in the seemingly insignificant or flawed, there is beauty to be found.
There's beauty in the sinner
Even those who have lost their way or made mistakes still possess inherent beauty.
Before and after he got lost
Whether in their innocence or redemption, there is beauty in every phase of a sinner's journey.
There's beauty in the traitor
Even those who betray can possess beauty, especially if it is for the cause of freedom.
If freedom's on the line
The beauty in the traitor is amplified when their actions are driven by the pursuit of freedom.
There's beauty in the outcast
Those who are rejected or marginalized can still hold beauty, especially if their unique perspective saves their life.
If beauty saves your life
The beauty that can truly save someone, both physically and emotionally, is invaluable.
And I keep on moving
The act of constantly progressing and seeking change, despite hardships and setbacks.
Maybe there's beauty in the mother
Mothers possess inherent beauty in their nurturing and selfless roles.
And in the father and the ghost
Fathers and the unseen presence of lost loved ones can also hold beauty.
But then there's beauty in all others
Everyone, regardless of their role or identity, has their own unique beauty to offer.
If decency's the boast
The beauty in all others is particularly pronounced when they possess decency and moral integrity.
There's beauty in the struggle
The hardships faced in life can also hold their own beauty, as they shape and define us.
And beauty in the cost
Even the sacrifices made along the way carry a certain beauty, showing our commitment and dedication.
If along the way the purpose
If throughout our journey, the underlying motivation or intention
Was that beauty wasn't lost
Was to preserve and uphold beauty, then it becomes an influential factor in our experiences.
Oh, there's beauty in the simple
The simplicity of life and its inherent beauty that can be found in the little things.
And in the fury of extremes
Even in the intensity and extremities of life, there lies a unique and captivating beauty.
There's even fury in injustice
Even the outrage and anger directed towards injustice carries its own kind of beauty, as it fuels the desire for fairness.
If in return nobody swings
If this fury against injustice does not result in retaliation or harm towards others.
Well, there's beauty in the boxcars
The beauty found in the simplicity of train cars or perhaps the resilience of those who travel in them.
And the wisdom of their saints
The insights and profound understanding possessed by those who have experienced hardships.
There's beauty in the moment
The beauty that can be found in the present, in fully embracing and appreciating each fleeting moment.
And in the turning of the page
The beauty of moving forward, of new beginnings and the potential for growth.
There's beauty in the knowing
The beauty found in knowledge, understanding, and awareness.
And the wishing that you could
And the desire to acquire knowledge or experiences, the longing for something beyond one's reach.
Like magic ain't a miracle
The recognition that something extraordinary doesn't have to be miraculous to be beautiful.
Just your cards misunderstood
Simply a result of misinterpretation or misperception, like a misunderstood card in a deck.
Well, there's beauty in our doing
The actions we take, no matter how small or significant, can hold their own beauty.
Though diminished in our name
Despite being overshadowed or undervalued, the beauty in our actions remains present.
The same beauty in a snowfall
The beauty found in the falling of snow, a gentle and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Is also in a flame
That same captivating beauty can also be found in a fiery and intense flame.
There's beauty in creation
The act of bringing something into existence, be it art, ideas, or life itself, holds its own intrinsic beauty.
As there's beauty in its loss
Likewise, the beauty can be found in the process of losing something, as it signifies growth, change, and impermanence.
And I keep on moving
The continuation of personal progress, growth, and resilience.
Keep on moving
The persistent pursuit of exploring, learning, and evolving.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Matthew Good
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind