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.
Please Don't Send Me Away
Matthew Jay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To justify your life my son
Did you help your brothers, when they were down
And when the bullets flew, did you stick around
I had no words, I never spoke
If I had said one thing, you wouldn't know
I did no harm, I hurt no one
Please don't send me away
I want to come in
If you give me today
I will try again
Child I gave you all the breaks
But all you did was take and take
You say you did no harm, but you did no good
And never sought redemption
I think you should
I realize my selfish love
Has always got me through, by just enough
I never thought this day would come
When the demons of my soul would be undone
Look up and see the angels
The gates have opened up for you
I hope your mind is peaceful
And love is everything you do
The song "Please Don't Send Me Away" by Matthew Jay is a poignant and introspective look at life and the choices we make. The lyrics call attention to questions of morality, personal responsibility, and redemption. The opening lines ask the listener to consider what they have done in their life to justify their existence, and whether they have helped others along the way. The following lines then question whether the listener has been present for those in need, during times of crisis and danger.
The next verse switches perspectives, with the singer lamenting their own failures and silent complicity. They suggest that if they had spoken up or acted differently, they would have made a positive impact. However, they also assert that they did not harm anyone, leaving it up to interpretation whether inaction is harmful in and of itself. The chorus follows, with the singer begging not to be sent away, asking for another chance to do better.
The final verse is a conversation between the two perspectives, with one asking the other what they have done with the breaks and opportunities they have been given. They imply that the other has been selfish and has not sought redemption. The singer then reflects on their own shortcomings and how their love for themselves has barely been enough to keep them going. The song ends with an image of the gates of heaven opening for the listener, a hopeful message that they can still find peace and love in the afterlife.
Overall, "Please Don't Send Me Away" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant song that asks difficult questions and seeks to find hope in the face of our own imperfections.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me now what have you done
What actions have you taken that justify your existence?
To justify your life my son
To prove that your life was worth living.
Did you help your brothers, when they were down
Did you lend a helping hand when those close to you needed it?
And when the bullets flew, did you stick around
Did you face danger with courage and conviction?
I had no words, I never spoke
I remained silent, and never voiced my opinions or thoughts.
If I had said one thing, you wouldn't know
If I had opened my mouth, my words would have fallen on deaf ears.
I did no harm, I hurt no one
I did nothing to cause physical or emotional pain to others.
Why you ask me now, my chance has gone
Why do you ask what I've done, now that it is too late for me to change?
Please don't send me away
I hope to be accepted and not cast out.
I want to come in
I want to be a part of the group, to belong.
If you give me today
If you give me another chance, another day.
I will try again
I will attempt to do better and make positive changes.
Child I gave you all the breaks
I provided you with opportunities to succeed.
But all you did was take and take
But you only ever took advantage of what was given to you.
You say you did no harm, but you did no good
You claim to have not caused damage, but you also didn't do anything positive.
And never sought redemption
And you never attempted to make up for any wrongs you may have committed.
I think you should
I believe it is necessary for you to seek redemption.
I realize my selfish love
I acknowledge that my love for you has always been self-serving.
Has always got me through, by just enough
My love has been enough to keep us going, but not truly thriving.
I never thought this day would come
I never imagined that we would be faced with this situation.
When the demons of my soul would be undone
When I would have to confront my own inner demons.
Look up and see the angels
Look to the heavens and see the divine beings.
The gates have opened up for you
You are being granted access to a new realm or opportunity.
I hope your mind is peaceful
I hope that you are at ease mentally and emotionally.
And love is everything you do
And that everything you do is motivated by love and compassion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MATTHEW JAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ianmiller4670
A truly remarkable talent. Such a tragedy Matthew's not around to give us more of his beautiful music. So many stunning songs on Draw. Maybe this is the very best...?
@madmad8339
Wow, just listen to his songs, it's all amazing.
@soysaucehairdye7869
mad mad this is one of my favorite albums to listen to in the fall
@pleasure.93
yes, Rest In Peace, Matthew Jay
@robbiedelaney1172
The English Jeff Buckley.
@apricotcat7741
I recorded part of this tune and set it as my ringtone 😊
@RiotGenerations
♥
@okkeheryadi4592
♥♥♥