His parents were divorced when he was only six years old. Later, his mother remarried and he moved to Canton, Ohio. Shortly after this, he met two of his best friends and future bandmates, Hoopes and Pittman. As a teenager Thiessen was well known for his very authentic goat impressions. The Beach Boys and The Beatles are two of his biggest musical influences. He likes wearing plaid, but doesn't like high-tops. He is loveable toward all animals (especially penguins). Thiessen is also known for being a prankster. Some of his favorite memories include getting massive sunburns and riding a yacht in Jacksonville, Florida. He now resides in Bolivar, Ohio. Some of his hardcore fans call him "Matty T" or "T-Sun."
In addition to being in Relient K, Thissen plays in his own solo piano project called Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes. The songs are typically emotional and very personal. He currently has 6 songs produced for many different CDs, including various compilation albums.
While primarily seen playing the guitar and the piano, it is said that Thiessen can play ten instruments. Other known instruments that he can play include bass, drums, bells, organ and trumpet.
The Calender The Energy
Matthew Thiessen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the personnel they let in
Expose the souls They're not afraid to show
I'll analyze the world and all its people
Concluding everyone is evil
And I more so than anyone I know
But I'd so much rather looks at yours
And pretend I have none at all
But who am I kidding anyway?
I won't give you the satisfaction
Of seeing me when I'm like this
'Cause honestly you wouldn't like this
So close your eyes and watch me hide
I won't give you the satisfaction
Of seeing me broken and bleeding
A life that is barely still breathing
So close your eyes and watch me hide
Watch me hide
So I'll wander off where no one else can find me
And the silence will remind me
That this is more sobering than I thought
I could hold on
To that old familiar lie that is
Pretending nothing's wrong
But who am I kidding anyway?
And I thought it'd be okay
In a sense to not do anything
But sometimes as you grow smarter
Your heart grows harder
The stupid things that those around us do
Often make us angry and teach us not to follow suit
But just make sure your heart stays full
Not emptied out and cynical
Lately yourself is someone you can't be
I say if this is you then woe is me
The lyrics of Matthew Thiessen's song "The Calendar, The Energy" are an introspective exploration into the artist's own psyche. The opening lines describe the singer looking at a photograph of heaven and wondering about the kind of people that are allowed in. This initial image sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a contemplative examination of the human condition, and in particular, the singer's own flaws.
In the next few lines, the singer admits to analyzing the world and its people, only to conclude that everyone is evil, including himself. This acknowledgement of personal imperfection sets up the subsequent confession that the singer has faults but would rather look at others' faults than confront their own. The singer then goes on to admit that this is a kind of self-deception: they know they have their own issues, but it's easier to deflect attention onto others.
The final lines of the verse reveal the singer's insecurity and vulnerability by asserting that they won't allow others to see them in a state of emotional distress. They would rather retreat into seclusion and hide from the world than expose their vulnerability, acknowledging that others wouldn't like or understand them anyway.
The second verse continues the introspective theme by describing the singer's need to "wander off" to a place where no one can find them. The silence in this place serves as a reminder that the reality of their imperfection is more sobering than the initial self-deception, i.e., pretending nothing is wrong.
The final lines of the song return to the idea of the human condition and how it can lead one down a path of cynicism and bitterness. The singer urges listeners to "make sure your heart stays full" and to avoid becoming cynical, despite the injustices of the world. The conclusion is both self-deprecating and accepting: the singer acknowledges their own flaws and limitations but recognizes that they are not alone in experiencing them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm looking at a photograph of Heaven
Contemplating the notion of an ideal afterlife.
And the personnel they let in
The kind of people deemed deserving of Heaven.
Expose the souls They're not afraid to show
Suggesting that those who are genuine show their true selves.
I'll analyze the world and all its people
Engaging in an introspection of humanity.
Concluding everyone is evil
Arriving at the belief that all beings are corrupt.
And I more so than anyone I know
Feeling particularly plagued by faults.
I have my faults
Acknowledging personal shortcomings.
But I'd so much rather looks at yours
Choosing to focus on others' flaws.
And pretend I have none at all
Attempting to deny one's own issues.
But who am I kidding anyway?
Admitting the foolishness of such self-deceit.
I won't give you the satisfaction
Resisting the urge to let others see one's vulnerability.
Of seeing me when I'm like this
Not wanting anyone to witness one's inner turmoil.
'Cause honestly you wouldn't like this
Believing that others wouldn't approve of one's struggles.
So close your eyes and watch me hide
Preferring to keep one's issues concealed.
Watch me hide
Reiterating the desire for privacy and secrecy.
So I'll wander off where no one else can find me
Seeking solitude to deal with one's problems.
And the silence will remind me
Finding solace in stillness and quietness.
That this is more sobering than I thought
Discovering that one's struggles are more serious than initially realized.
I could hold on
Considering the possibility of continuing to deceive oneself.
To that old familiar lie that is
Clutching onto the falsehood that everything is okay.
Pretending nothing's wrong
Feigning ignorance or bliss in the face of personal issues.
The stupid things that those around us do
Noting the foolish actions of others in one's life.
Often make us angry and teach us not to follow suit
Using the missteps of others as a lesson for oneself.
But just make sure your heart stays full
Encouraging oneself to maintain compassion and empathy.
Not emptied out and cynical
Warning against becoming jaded or bitter.
Lately yourself is someone you can't be
Feeling a loss of self-identity or self-worth.
I say if this is you then woe is me
Expressing despair or regret for one's own flaws and struggles.
Contributed by Bentley D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.