Read Full Bio ↴Matthew Perryman Jones (born 1973) is an American singer and songwriter.
Jones began performing in 1997, debuting at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, GA, but he soon relocated to Nashville. In 2000 he released Nowhere Else But Here followed by an EP, For the Road, in 2003. Released in 2006, Throwing Punches in the Dark was produced by Neilson Hubbard (Glen Phillips, Garrison Star) and met with high critical praise. Jones re-teamed with Hubbard for Swallow the Sea, which was released in 2008. His music has found a home on Film and TV with over 30 placements on shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Bones, One Tree Hill, Pretty Liars & Private Practice.
MPJ has shared the stage with Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Paula Cole, as well as being a staple feature in the nationally acclaimed "Ten Out of Tenn. Collective" with fellow artists, Katie Herzig, Erin McCarley, Butterfly Boucher, Andrew Belle and others.
Jones released his third full-length record, Land of the Living, on May 29, 2012.
Jones released The Waking Hours in September 2018.
Website https://www.mpjmusic.com/
One Thing More
Matthew Perryman Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When it's all been said
And don't know what we've done
Climbing the ladder
With a tighter fist
Looking out for number one
I will not let you drag me down
Maybe it's all not enough
I think we're feeling the weight of a broken love
We're stuck on a stage of parading lust
It seems it's always only one thing more
It's always only one thing more
What's in the mirror
Are there tired eyes
Lookin' back for something new
Is it any clearer
Does the loneliness of ambition bother you
I will not let you drag me down
Nobody calls you by your name
Your hand's on the mouth of fear
All that you build will fall in flame
I will not let you drag me down
Seems it's always only one thing more
It's always only one thing more
Maybe it's all not enough
Maybe it's all too much
Maybe it's never enough
Seems it's always only one thing more
It's always only one thing more
These lyrics speak to the human predicament of striving for success and achievement, and yet feeling like it's never quite enough. The opening lines prompt a reflection on what truly matters when everything is said and done. The second verse delves deeper into the struggle, wondering if the pursuit of success is worth the loneliness that often comes with it.
The chorus reinforces this theme and suggests that no matter how much one achieves or acquires, there always seems to be an insatiable desire for one thing more. The bridge makes use of powerful, visual language: nobody calls you by your name, your hand's on the mouth of fear, all that you build will fall in flame. This imagery speaks to the disconnection and existential dread that can come with a life consumed by ambition.
Overall, this song is a poignant reminder to examine our values and motivations, and to challenge the belief that success will bring lasting fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
What really matters
What is truly important in life
When it's all been said
When everything has been discussed and considered
And don't know what we've done
And we are unsure of the actions we have taken
Climbing the ladder
Pursuing success and upward mobility
With a tighter fist
With a more cautious and protective approach
Looking out for number one
Prioritizing oneself over others
I will not let you drag me down
I will not allow you to negatively influence me or my goals
Maybe it's all not enough
Perhaps our efforts and achievements are insufficient
I think we're feeling the weight of a broken love
I believe we are experiencing the burden of a failed relationship
We're stuck on a stage of parading lust
We are fixated on physical desire rather than genuine connection
It seems it's always only one thing more
It appears that there is always an additional requirement or expectation
What's in the mirror
What is reflected in one's own self-image
Are there tired eyes
Are there signs of exhaustion or weariness
Lookin' back for something new
Searching for a novel or different experience
Is it any clearer
Has the situation become more comprehensible or obvious
Does the loneliness of ambition bother you
Do you feel troubled by the isolation that comes with pursuing success
Nobody calls you by your name
No one recognizes or acknowledges your true identity
Your hand's on the mouth of fear
You are in control of your fears and doubts
All that you build will fall in flame
Everything you create or accomplish will ultimately be destroyed or forgotten
Seems it's always only one thing more
It appears that there is always an additional requirement or expectation
Maybe it's all too much
Perhaps we are overwhelmed by the demands of life
Maybe it's never enough
Perhaps we will always feel unsatisfied or unfulfilled
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.