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
The Boy Come Home
Matthew Good Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walk through those doors and stand there staring
And there ain't one soul that's in there dead
My hand stays out, I keep my head
And walking out I see you sitting in that Ford of your old man's
Scratching your arms like your skin is crawling
But done up the best you can
Them Paupers they can't tell
It's strange to think we could have been so brought up by
Ourselves
Run through the streets like rivers raging to seas of barren sand
And while every gtain tears you apart stay done up the best
You can
Unemployment lines stretch to the desert and camouflage
Hotels
Where traded up to new distinctions puts justice in your shells
Take one for the team and that pretty lady used to cover
Up the smell
But when you get back boy you're just crazy if you dare kiss
And tell
This aching heart ain't something I done
This aching heart's been handed down
But I'm done with it now
So I take that screaming in my head
I walk through those doors and stand there staring
And my hand slips into my coat and everything just freezes
Running out I see you sitting in the Ford of your old man's
The boy come home
The lyrics of Matthew Good's song The Boy Come Home is a poignant reflection on returning home after being away for a while. The opening lines suggest a sense of hesitation and contemplation as the singer goes over the situation in his head before finally entering the place he had been avoiding. He finds himself in a familiar setting, but the absence of a single soul adds to the gravity of the situation. Despite the unease, the singer keeps his composure and walks through the doors with his head held high.
As the song progresses, the singer discovers someone sitting in a Ford car outside. This person appears to be uncomfortable and their actions hint at addiction or mental health struggles. The singer is empathetic but chooses not to intervene, acknowledging the difficulty of dealing with such issues. He reminisces about their past together, as they were brought up similarly, but different paths led them to different futures. The lyrics reminisce on what could have been, and yet still recognize the beauty of their journey in life. The closing lines suggest a sense of resolution, as the singer recognizes that he is done with the pain that he has experienced for so long.
The Boy Come Home is a powerful song that explores themes of belonging, identity, and closure. It reflects on the struggles of returning home after being away for a while and the challenges of dealing with the consequences of one's choices. It highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, and the complexity of addiction and mental health issues.
Line by Line Meaning
While I go over it in my head
Mentally preparing for a difficult encounter
Walk through those doors and stand there staring
Feeling apprehensive about entering a certain place
And there ain't one soul that's in there dead
Relieved that nobody has died in the place
My hand stays out, I keep my head
Choosing to remain calm and alert
And walking out I see you sitting in that Ford of your old man's
Encountering an old acquaintance
Scratching your arms like your skin is crawling
Appearing agitated or uncomfortable
But done up the best you can
Trying to present oneself as put together despite inner turmoil
Face first pilot through your window
Being involved in a violent incident
Them Paupers they can't tell
Realizing that outsiders don't understand one's struggles
It's strange to think we could have been so brought up by ourselves
Reflecting on one's past and how life could have turned out differently
Run through the streets like rivers raging to seas of barren sand
Feeling lost or aimless
And while every gain tears you apart stay done up the best
Trying to cope with success despite overwhelming emotions
You can
Unemployment lines stretch to the desert and camouflage
Noticing the prevalence of poverty and unemployment
Hotels
Where traded up to new distinctions puts justice in your shells
Feeling a sense of privilege and entitlement
Take one for the team and that pretty lady used to cover
Feeling obligated to sacrifice oneself for others
Up the smell
Trying to mask unpleasant odors
But when you get back boy you're just crazy if you dare kiss and tell
Knowing that discretion is important in certain situations
This aching heart ain't something I done
Realizing that heartache is not a personal failure
This aching heart's been handed down
Acknowledging that emotional pain is often inherited
But I'm done with it now
Resolving to let go of past hurt
So I take that screaming in my head
Confronting internal struggles
I walk through those doors and stand there staring
Facing a challenging situation head-on
And my hand slips into my coat and everything just freezes
Preparing for confrontation or self-defense
Running out I see you sitting in the Ford of your old man's
Encountering an old acquaintance again
The boy come home
Realizing the significance of the reunion
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MATTHEW GOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason McArthur
Love Matt Good. So talented.