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
Big City Life
Matthew Good Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Throw off your blues and use your red and whites
and waves to caution your days and nights
you wandering and wandering and wandering.
Carolina was a gambler
So she came into the city
There she died and she was 21
yeah, big city life is fun
(tough it out)
Cut your heart out, You are my star light
tear down the blues and fly your red and whites
I swim with the fishes cause the fish are alright
Oh my, my, just to get you to bite
I swim with the fishes cause the fish are alright
Oh my, my, just to get you to bite
Carolina was a gambler
So she came into the city
There she died when she was twenty one
Cause big city life is fun
Yeah, big city life is fun
I swim with the fishes cause the fish are alright
Oh my, my, just to get you to bite
I swim with the fishes cause the fish are alright
Oh my, my, I've been wandering
Been wandering
Been wandering
Carolina was a gambler
So she came into the city
There she died when she was twenty one
Cause big city life is fun
Yeah, big city life is fun
Yeah, yeah
The lyrics of Matthew Good's "Big City Life" entail the story of a woman, Carolina, who was living a challenging life and came into the city to find something more significant. The singer, who is addressing someone they love, compares them to a streetlight and a starlight. They urge their beloved to throw off their blues and use their red and white lights to caution their days and nights, wandering and wandering without aim. The reference to the "swimming with the fishes" is a metaphor that means they are taking risks for the person they love. The song continues to tell the tragic story of Carolina, who was a gambler and came into the city to find thrill and excitement, but only met her death there at the age of 21. The song concludes with the acknowledgment that the singer has been wandering, just like Carolina, but at least they have someone they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Caught your eye, You are my street light
I see you and I feel safe and guided through the darkness of the big city.
Throw off your blues and use your red and whites and waves to caution your days and nights
Leave your sadness behind and use your traffic light to help guide you through the ups and downs of city life.
you wandering and wandering and wandering.
I see you searching for something in the big city, always moving but never finding what you are looking for.
Carolina was a gambler
Carolina fell into the trap of taking unnecessary risks in the hope of gaining something valuable.
So she came into the city
With a desire for excitement and adventures, Carolina entered the big city.
There she died and she was 21
Unfortunately, Carolina lost her life at a young age due to the dangers and unpredictability of city life.
cause big city life is fun
The culture of the big city entices people with its false promises of an exciting life full of new experiences.
Cut your heart out, You are my star light
Be fearless and bold, my love, as we navigate the darkness of city life together.
tear down the blues and fly your red and whites
Forget about sadness and let your courage and resilience shine bright for all to see, like a signal light in the night sky.
I swim with the fishes cause the fish are alright
I adapt and survive in the midst of the dangers of the big city, just like the fish who have learned to thrive in their underwater environment.
Oh my, my, just to get you to bite
I am willing to go to any lengths to win your attention and affection in this competitive, big city environment.
Been wandering
I have been searching aimlessly in the big city, never quite knowing where I belong or what I am looking for.
Yeah, big city life is fun
The lure of the big city continues to entice people with its promises of excitement and endless possibilities.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AlastairMunro
Thanks a lot uploading this!
@billtill1603
Great song, need more views on this video
@laurettaphillips7063
I'm dead and watching this video.
@MsHitlerkitty
I thought he was Billy Joel when I saw the pic.