It was during his first year of college, that Matthew began playing guitar and writing songs. By Matthew's senior year, he was playing at every venue imaginable, from Fraternity houses to churches, and youth groups.
He signed an exclusive songwriting deal only a week after graduating and making the move to Nashville. His songs have been recorded by various artists including Rachel Lampa's most recent single, "Savior Song," which was Matthew's first top-5 song as a writer. Some other highlights were having songs placed on the platinum selling WoW 2002 project and also having his song, "Heart of Every Man recorded for the World Youth Day 2000 official soundtrack.
Matthew continued pursuing his dream of singing his own songs. Matthew had the opportunity to travel to universities across the country, and quickly began building up a steady following. With the help of Word Music and Extreme Writers Group, Matthew recorded an independent CD called, "Sellout," which caught the attention of Universal South Records.
Since signing with Universal South, He has released several albums, starting with "Happy" in 2003, "History" in 2005, and "Something to Say" in 2007; along with the re-release of Sellout in 2006. The Forgiveness Songfacts reports that West's fifth album, "Into the Light," is scheduled to be released on September 25, 2012.
The Turnaround
Matthew West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This thorn is buried in my skin
I wonder why I have to struggle
But then again
If I wasn't drowning I wouldn't need you to save me
If I wasn't broken I wouldn't need you to heal me
You keep me broken
Don't let this rock take me down, down, down
My heart is standing at the edge of the world
I need you
To help me make the turnaround
So many puzzles with no answers
So many questions with no peace
So many second guesses
But then again I guess
If I wasn't drowning I wouldn't need you to save me
If I wasn't broken I wouldn't need you to heal me
Oh Lord I'm drowning
Don't let this river get lost in the ocean
Don't let this rock take me down, down, down
My heart is standing at the edge of the world
I need you
To help me make the turnaround
I need you
I know I need you
The lyrics of "The Turnaround" by Matthew West narrate a person's struggle, pain, and desperation to find a way out of their problems. The first two lines, "This rock is tied around my ankle, this thorn is buried in my skin," portray a feeling of being stuck and trapped, as if it is difficult to move forward. However, in the next lines, the person acknowledges that their struggle may have a purpose. They say, "If I wasn't drowning I wouldn't need you to save me, if I wasn't broken I wouldn't need you to heal me, you keep me broken." The person recognizes that sometimes breaking down and struggling can lead to growth and healing, and that they may need God's help to accomplish this.
The pre-chorus and chorus express the person's plea for help, as they stand at the edge of the world, searching for a way out. The lines, "Don't let this river get lost in the ocean, don't let this rock take me down, down, down," convey the idea of being lost and overwhelmed, sinking deeper into trouble. However, the person pleads for God's help to turn things around, saying "I need you, to help me make the turnaround."
Overall, this song is a message of hope and faith, despite difficulties and struggles. It recognizes that sometimes problems are necessary for growth, but that God's help is always available for those who seek it.
Line by Line Meaning
This rock is tied around my ankle
I feel burdened and weighed down by something that's holding me back
This thorn is buried in my skin
I am experiencing pain that is deep and difficult to remove
I wonder why I have to struggle
I am questioning the reasons why life has to be hard and challenging
But then again
On second thought, there may be a purpose to my struggles
If I wasn't drowning I wouldn't need you to save me
Sometimes it takes being in a difficult situation to recognize our need for help and support
If I wasn't broken I wouldn't need you to heal me
Through my brokenness, I become aware of my need for restoration and healing
You keep me broken
God allows me to experience brokenness so that I can continue to rely on Him for strength and guidance
Don't let this river get lost in the ocean
Please help me not to lose sight of the path that you have set before me
Don't let this rock take me down, down, down
Please don't allow my struggles to overcome me completely
My heart is standing at the edge of the world
I feel as though I am at a breaking point and am in need of help
I need you
I am aware of my dependence on God and am reaching out for His help
To help me make the turnaround
I am asking for God's help to turn my situation around and find a new direction
So many puzzles with no answers
I am struggling to make sense of my circumstances and find clarity
So many questions with no peace
I am troubled by many uncertainties and am seeking peace of mind
So many second guesses
I am doubting my decisions and am in need of guidance
Oh Lord I'm drowning
I am overwhelmed and feel like I am sinking
I need you
I am emphasizing my need for God's help and support
I know I need you
I am acknowledging my dependence on God and recognizing that He alone can help me through my struggles
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HANK MOBLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind