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
Born to Kill
Matthew Good Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're spinning in my TV
A magician
The antidote
So I'm with him
Floating, loaded
Enough to be released
Enough to be released
It's more than the less you say you do
It's more than the shot that gets you through
Born to buy into something
Born to kill
There's a big beat
You're sleeping in my memory
Like Satan
Lonely
So I'm with him
Floating, loaded
Enough to be released
Floating, loaded
Enough to be released
Floating, loaded
Enough to be released
It's more than the less you say you do
It's more than the shot that gets you though
Born to buy into something
Born to kill
It's more than the less you say you do
It's more than the shot that gets you though
Born to buy into something
Born to kill
In Matthew Good Band's song "Born To Kill," the lyrics paint a picture of someone who is hooked on something that provides them with an escape or relief. The "big beat" they hear or see on TV, as well as the magician and antidote, are all likely representing a drug of some sort that they turn to in order to cope with loneliness or to feel something other than their own pain. The repeated phrase "floating, loaded enough to be released" further emphasizes the idea of being detached from reality and drifting away from their problems with the help of the substance. The person is so consumed by their addiction that they are willing to be with Satan, indicating that they have lost sight of their morals or values.
The chorus of the song suggests that they were "born to buy into something, born to kill," which could signify being born into a society that encourages consumerism and addiction, ultimately leading to destruction. The addictive nature of society or culture is further referenced in the lines "It's more than the shot that gets you through," implying that there is more to this issue than just drugs or substance abuse. Also, the repetition of the chorus emphasizes the inevitability of the situation; the person is "born" into it, suggesting that there's little they can do to change their situation.
Overall, Matthew Good Band's "Born To Kill" is a commentary on addiction and societal pressure, warning against the dangers of relying on substances or consumerism to cope with the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a big beat
The song has a strong and powerful beat.
You're spinning in my TV
The beat is so strong that the listener feels like they are being physically moved, as if they were inside a TV that was spinning.
A magician
The beat is almost magical in its ability to captivate and control the listener.
The antidote
The beat has the power to cure any negative feelings or emotions that the listener might be experiencing.
So I'm with him
The artist is so drawn to the beat that they feel as if they are in a relationship with it.
Floating, loaded
The listener is experiencing a feeling of weightlessness and euphoria, possibly due to drugs or alcohol.
Enough to be released
The feeling is so intense that the listener feels as if they are being released from their ordinary life and surroundings.
It's more than the less you say you do
The experience of listening to the beat is more powerful than anything else that the listener might experience in their day-to-day life.
It's more than the shot that gets you through
The feeling is more intense than the sense of relief that might come from taking a drug or other substance.
Born to buy into something
The artist feels as if they were born to be a part of this experience, to be a follower of the beat.
Born to kill
The singer feels as if this experience is so powerful that it has the ability to destroy their old self and create a new, better one.
You're sleeping in my memory
The beat is so memorable that it stays with the listener, even when they are not actively listening to it.
Like Satan
The beat is so captivating that it almost feels like it has a dark, sinister power.
Lonely
The singer feels as if they are alone in their love and devotion to the beat.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dave Genn, Matthew Good
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Schattenkirk
I love how the end of this song sounds like a fist fight between an orchestra and a rock band. Possibly my favorite album of all time.
RnB : The Adventures of Rhett & Brittni
Matt Good is the undisputed king of hauntingly beautiful music. Noone does it like he does
katana_92
I know what you mean. When it turns into chaos it gives me the fckin chills because I know it represents a fatal drug overdose, but it's still listenable despite the chaos.
Travis Ligocki
I remember hearing this for the first time! I cried unlike I ever have before. I, at that moment realized I wasn't alone with this. I was able to walk away unlike so many. This song hurts so bad and feels so amazing at the same time.
PasCorrect
I love this song as much now as I did when I was a teenager listening to my burned copy of Beautiful Midnight. I have a soft spot for music that is both dark and bombastic, and this fills that niche perfectly.
presjo
You're a music pirate and you should be ashamed
Marijan
If you're into dark and bombastic music, may I recommend a certain band called Muse. They've gotten lighter and poppier, but their early 2000s stuff, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution would fit this quite nicely, I think! It also shares that sort of 90/00s alt rock-type sound.
TonyZ3
Such an awesome piece, filled with Matthew Good's nuanced songwriting brilliance.
Scott Pelletier
One of my favorite artist .... incredible voice and talent
Bob Maget
One of the few songs that descends into chaos that i can listen to the whole way through.