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.
The Clearing
Matthew Jay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have no time left for any doubt
They're chasing me, they want you too
You'd be much safer if I was with you
So I will reach the clearing, don't you worry
The end is nearing, in a hurry
And bring you into a strange affair
You live and breathe in other minds
And sell my future a thousand times
I don't know the place that you have come here from
It's a mystery to me and I don't belong
In a piece of sunshine or a line of rain
Having said all that I will be here again
I've got you now, you're on my plane
A heavy burden has left my brain
I was relieved that car went by
They never caught me and you know why
The song The Clearing by Matthew Jay is a contemplative and introspective piece that highlights the idea of longing and eventual resignation. The song speaks of someone who is in search of a particular person, possibly a loved one who is either hidden away or lost. The person searching understands the gravity of the situation and knows that time is running out, which is evident in the opening lines "If you're in there, you must come out, I have no time left for any doubt." The singer is actively searching for the person, even though they are being pursued by others who are also after the person.
The song takes an interesting turn when the singer falls asleep and enters a "strange affair" where they meet the person they are searching for. In this affair, the person is living and breathing in other minds while they sell the singer's future a thousand times. It is unclear what this means, but it could imply that the person the singer is searching for could be from another world or dimension.
The chorus of the song speaks of reaching a clearing, indicating that the singer is making progress in his search. The last verse of the song reveals that the singer has finally found the person they were searching for. The line "I've got you now, you're on my plane" implies that the person is now within reach, and the immediate relief the singer feels as "a heavy burden has left my brain" is palpable.
The song is an enigmatic piece that leaves its interpretation to the listener. But with its haunting melody and thought-provoking lines, The Clearing is a piece that sticks to the mind and leaves the listener with the urge to understand its meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're in there, you must come out
If you're hiding or trapped, you need to find a way to escape and come out.
I have no time left for any doubt
I have to be confident and decisive in my actions and decisions, without any hesitation or uncertainty.
They're chasing me, they want you too
Someone or something is pursuing me and wants to capture or harm both of us.
You'd be much safer if I was with you
If we're together, I can protect you and keep you safe from harm or danger.
So I will reach the clearing, don't you worry
I will find a safe and secure place where we can hide and be free from any threats or obstacles.
The end is nearing, in a hurry
Our time is running out and we need to act quickly and decisively or face the consequences.
I fall asleep and meet you there
I escape into my dreams and imagination to be with you and find comfort and solace.
And bring you into a strange affair
I involve you in my unconventional and unpredictable adventures and experiences.
You live and breathe in other minds
You exist and thrive in different perspectives and ideas, and inspire and influence others.
And sell my future a thousand times
You represent my hopes, dreams, and aspirations, and motivate and drive me to succeed and achieve.
I don't know the place that you have come here from
I'm not sure where you originated from or how you came into my life, but I'm grateful for your presence.
It's a mystery to me and I don't belong
I don't fully understand or comprehend your nature and purpose, and I feel out of place or inadequate in your company.
In a piece of sunshine or a line of rain
You can be found in both joy and sorrow, and you give meaning and depth to every moment and experience.
Having said all that I will be here again
Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, I will always return to you and seek your guidance and comfort.
I've got you now, you're on my plane
I have finally caught up with you and we are on the same level and wavelength.
A heavy burden has left my brain
I feel relieved and free from the weight and pressure of my past struggles and mistakes.
I was relieved that car went by
I'm grateful for the momentary distraction or diversion that saved us from danger or harm.
They never caught me and you know why
I managed to outsmart or elude my pursuers, and you were my secret weapon and motivation for doing so.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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