The middle child of two semi-professional folk singers, in Plymouth on October 10th 1978, Jay was born into a highly musical family. His parents, Tony and Hilary, performed regularly in a folk band, and when Matthew was only eight years old, he joined the line-up, playing bass, along with his two brothers, Eddy and Pete.
He started writing his own songs as a teenager, and at the end of his final year in high school in 2000, he decided to give his music just one shot before leaving for university to study a nice 'sensible' subject: (optometry). Happily for Jay, after bombarding record labels with his demo throughout the summer, he was signed to EMI. At that point, somewhat unusually, he hadn't even played one solo gig.
While at EMI, Jay released two EPs: 'Four Songs' and 'Friendly Fire,' followed by the critically-acclaimed album 'Draw,' and three singles: 'Let Your Shoulder Fall,' 'Please Don't Send Me Away,' and 'Call My Name Out.' He enjoyed moderate chart success with the singles, and on the strength of this toured extensively throughout Europe and the States, supporting many acts including Starsailor, Travis, Dido and The Divine Comedy.
In 2002 Jay separated amicably from EMI and started work on songs which marked a slight change in creative direction, as he began experimenting with a number of new influences, including hip-hop.
Sadly, in the autumn of 2003, the singer-songwriter died suddenly in the small hours of the 25th of September, in an unexplained fall from his London apartment block. It was a shocking end to what had been a life full of promise, and one built upon a remarkable foundation of accomplishment for one so young.
In 2004, the independent record label Jays Music Ltd released a retrospective album called 'Too Soon': a collection of Matthew Jay early songs and rarities, and followed this in December 2006 with a single: 'What Would Love Do Now,' which was one of the last songs he had recorded.
The new material Jay had been working on until the time of his passing showcased a mature writing style for the artist, which although something of a departure from the tracks on 'Draw,' still maintained his distinctive vocals, and trademark bittersweet and often humourous lyrical style.
An album featuring a selection of these songs is due for release in the spring of 2008, and will be available via his official website.
Four Minute Rebellion
Matthew Jay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is a whole fucking world
Of rebellion.
Happy, happy, I will forget
So many things which are bad
Which leaves me only with good thoughts..
Why are you staring at me?
Are you really that small?
Talking to you now
Is the easiest thing
In all of fucking hell.
Slowly turning the key,
Am I going or flowing
Out?
Why are you staring at me?
You're breaking my nose from 25 feet.
Are you really that small?
All this day is a beautiful lie..
People say what they will to get by.
All I'm guess into that song
Lucky four minute rebellion
The song "Four Minute Rebellion" by Matthew Jay is a reflection of the human condition and the underlying world of dissatisfaction. The lyrics convey the idea that sometimes, small things like three inches of hair can be an act of rebellion. The singer seems to be trying to escape some unpleasant things by cultivating a positive mindset. He's happy, and the only thing he wants to focus on is the good things in his life. The song's title suggests that this happy feeling is fleeting and temporary, similar to a momentary act of rebellion.
The song also hints at the singer's confrontational nature, illustrated by the line, "Are you really that small?" The singer seems to be throwing a challenge to someone who is staring at him, making him feel uncomfortable. Interestingly, he feels that talking to this person is the easiest thing to do in all of "fucking hell," accentuating the intensity of the moment.
As the song progresses, the singer seems to be trapped in a dilemma. While slowly turning the key, he is unsure whether he should stay or move out. The song's conclusion is open-ended, making the listener a part of the journey. The last line of the song, "Lucky four-minute rebellion," could suggest that having small moments of happiness, like protest, can soothe one's soul for a brief period.
Line by Line Meaning
Three more inches of hair
A small change such as growing out hair can be seen as a significant act of rebellion.
Is a whole fucking world
That small change can have a large impact on an individual's perception of themselves and the world around them.
Of rebellion.
It is an act of rebellion to go against social norms and do something as small as growing out one's hair.
Happy, happy, I will forget
The act of rebellion can provide a sense of escape from negative thoughts and feelings.
So many things which are bad
The world can be full of negative and hurtful experiences.
Which leaves me only with good thoughts..
But the act of rebellion can provide a sense of positivity and happiness in spite of those negative experiences.
Why are you staring at me?
The singer is questioning the actions of others.
You're breaking my nose from 25 feet.
The actions of others can be violent and harmful, even from afar.
Are you really that small?
The artist is questioning the motives and character of the person who hurt them.
Talking to you now
The artist is addressing someone directly.
Is the easiest thing
Despite the harm done to the singer, talking to the person who hurt them is easy and perhaps even necessary.
In all of fucking hell.
This easy interaction is juxtaposed with the idea of hell, suggesting that the world can be a difficult and painful place to navigate.
Slowly turning the key,
The singer is taking their time in making a decision or taking an action.
Am I going or flowing
The singer is unsure of the direction they should take in their life.
Out?
The singer is considering making a change or leaving their current situation.
All this day is a beautiful lie..
The world around the artist is not always as it seems and can be an illusion.
People say what they will to get by.
Individuals may not always tell the truth or be genuine in their actions.
All I'm guess into that song
The singer is finding solace and understanding in music.
Lucky four minute rebellion
The act of rebellion, even if only brief, can provide a sense of freedom and happiness in a world full of pain and uncertainty.
Contributed by Max O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.