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
Sun Up Running for Home
Matthew Good Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ghosts of your pleasure and contempt
When we were liars things were seamless
When we were wired the world was like a secret
I close my eyes now and I scream
I turn the light on and there's nothing left redeeming
I saw your face before it changed
The gun it makes you look nicer in a bad way
So low for how high?
Well it's too late tonight
And I'm sure you're right
So low for how high
And after this there's just the circus
And every morning you carnie heart stops workin'
It gets tight in there sometimes
Looking for the defects, talking like it's a reflex
I close my mouth now and I scream
I open the door and there's nothing left redeeming
I saw your face before the rough
You should wait around awhile cause your body's bound to turn up
So low for how high?
Well it's too late tonight
And I'm sure you're right
So low for how high
The lyrics of Matthew Good's song Sun Up Running for Home take the listener on a journey of exploring the dark side of human nature. The first verse talks about the infiltration of technology in our lives, where it has become an integral part of our daily routine. The line "They beam things into your head" paints a sinister image of technology controlling our thoughts and actions like a puppeteer controlling its puppets. The second line "The ghosts of your pleasure and contempt" provides an added layer of complexity to the meaning of this song. It suggests that our materialistic desires and emotions are nothing but ghosts of our own creation. When the singer says "When we were liars things were seamless", he might be referring to a period of innocence in his life, where he had not succumbed to the pleasures of the world.
The second verse of this song talks about the aftermath of indulging in such pleasures. The lines "It gets tight in there sometimes, looking for the defects, talking like it's a reflex" signifies an introspective journey of looking at oneself and the defects that come with it. However, the line "I saw your face before the rough" suggests that the more you indulge in your desires, the more your body and mind will deteriorate. The gun mentioned in this song refers to the consequences of our actions. It might make you look good, but it will ultimately lead to a bad outcome.
Overall, Sun Up Running for Home is a powerful critique of modern society and the cyclic nature of destructive behavior. It is a reminder that our actions and desires have consequences, and it is up to us to change our ways before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
They beam things into your head
The external world can manipulate and influence our thoughts and actions
The ghosts of your pleasure and contempt
Our past experiences and emotions continue to haunt and shape us
When we were liars things were seamless
Dishonesty can make life easier in the short-term, but leads to complications and guilt in the long-term
When we were wired the world was like a secret
The internet and technology can make the world feel more connected, but also more complex and overwhelming
I close my eyes now and I scream
Sometimes we need to confront and express our inner turmoil and pain
I turn the light on and there's nothing left redeeming
Even when we try to escape or distract ourselves from our problems, they still exist and need to be addressed
I saw your face before it changed
People can change drastically over time, and it can be painful to reflect on who they used to be
The gun it makes you look nicer in a bad way
Violence and aggression may make someone feel powerful or attractive in the moment, but ultimately lead to negative consequences
So low for how high?
Questioning why we feel so hopeless or lost, despite external success or happiness
Well it's too late tonight
Regretting past choices and actions, and feeling powerless to change them
And I'm sure you're right
Doubting one's own judgment and decisions, and trusting others instead
And after this there's just the circus
Life can feel like a never-ending, meaningless cycle of routines and performances
And every morning you carnie heart stops workin'
The stresses and challenges of daily life can wear down our emotional and mental health over time
It gets tight in there sometimes
Feeling trapped or suffocated by our own thoughts, emotions, or circumstances
Looking for the defects, talking like it's a reflex
Focusing on flaws and negativity becomes a habitual, automatic response
I close my mouth now and I scream
Suppressing one's emotions and thoughts can be damaging and eventually lead to explosive outbursts
I open the door and there's nothing left redeeming
Trying to escape one's problems or environment, but realizing that they will still exist even in a new setting
I saw your face before the rough
Seeing someone for who they truly are, beyond their outer appearance or persona
You should wait around awhile cause your body's bound to turn up
Implying that violence or danger is a likely outcome for those who engage in risky or reckless behavior
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE GENN, MATTHEW GOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LiamDTurner
this ALBUM is fantastic from top to bottom is how to listen to it .... from party start to the wreck leftover "running for home"
@michaelinreign239
This song never fails to make me weep. It's such a moving song. You can tell Matt was in such a bad place. I imagine, undiagnosed with bipolar. It's so raw. <3
@turnoffthetv
One of my all time faves by Matt. I really hope he releases a soundboard version of this rework because it's brilliant, had me misty eyed in Toronto. Thank you for posting <3
@OhhFrikshunz
The ending solo puts my spine in an almost endless chill. It was incredible to be there live for this song and that whole album altogether.
@OhhFrikshunz
@@MicahMicahel Yeah I saw that sadly. Lost all respect for him but he's mentally ill up the wazoo so he can widdle away in his own filth.
@fabiodias5527
Absolutely love Running for Home!
@stuntmunky5817
Thanks for posting! Gave me chills!
@Shambler19831
FANTASTIC AUDIO!!!! thank you for posting this, I couldn't go to the Calgary concert and I am so sad I am missing it, you made me feel a bit better being able to see it in such high quality.
@gibsalisbury
This man is so amazing live. Saw his acoustic show Jan/27/2023 in Peterborough. He is so amazing solo.
@LindaLoo25
When I listen to mathew good I can escape , i feel a serenity...love it l....love them!