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.
Remember This Feeling
Matthew Jay Lyrics
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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 realise 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
Please don't send me away
I want to come in
If you give me today
I will try again
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 lyrics of Matthew Jay's song Remember This Feeling seem to be a conversation between a father figure and his son, who is now facing the consequences of his actions. The father questions his son's legacy and the impact of his life, asking if he ever helped those in need or showed up for his friends in times of trouble. He also questions his son's integrity during challenging times, wondering if he ever stuck around during dangerous situations.
The son, however, defends himself by saying that he never did any harm or hurt anyone. He appears remorseful for not using his voice when needed and realizes that he missed his chance to do something meaningful. He begs for another opportunity, promising to do better this time.
The father responds by calling out his son's selfishness and lack of redemption, urging him to seek a more righteous path. He acknowledges his own selfishness and realizes the error of his ways, hoping that his son will find peace and love in whichever afterlife awaits him.
The song seems to be a reflection on the choices we make in life and the impact they have on those around us. It also highlights the importance of seeking redemption and doing good when given the chance, rather than waiting until it is too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me now what have you done
What actions have you taken in your life?
To justify your life, my son?
Have you done enough to prove your worth?
Did you help your brothers, when they were down?
Did you support others in times of need?
And when the bullets flew, did you stick around?
Did you face challenges bravely and stay steadfast?
I had no words, I never spoke
I remained silent and did not speak my truth
If I had said one thing, you wouldn't know
If I had spoken up, it would have made no difference
I did no harm, I hurt no-one,
I did not intentionally cause pain to anyone
Why you ask me now, my chance has gone?
Why question me now when it is too late to change anything?
Please don't send me away
I want to be accepted
I want to come in
I want to be a part of something
If you give me today
If you grant me another chance
I will try again
I will make an effort to improve
Child, I gave you all the breaks,
I provided every opportunity for you
But all you did was take and take
You never contributed back
You say you did no harm, but you did no good,
You didn't go out of your way to help others
And never sought redemption
You didn't attempt to make amends
I think you should
It would be beneficial for you to do so
I realise my selfish love
I now understand my self-centered love
Has always got me through, by just enough
It barely sustained me and was not enough
I never thought this day would come
I never expected to face the consequences of my actions
When the demons of my soul would be undone
When I would face the wrongdoing I had committed
Look up and see the angels
Turn your attention to the positive forces in life
The gates have opened up for you
Opportunities are now available for you
I hope your mind is peaceful
I hope you have found inner tranquility
And love is everything you do
I hope love guides all your actions
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MATTHEW JAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind