Wilder was one-half of the Greenwich Village folk group Matthew & Peter in the 1970s. In 1978 he moved to Los Angeles and sang for television commercials and backup for Rickie Lee Jones and Bette Midler.
Wilder's first album, I Don't Speak the Language (1983), reached number 49 on the Billboard chart, fueled by "Break My Stride", which reached number 5 on the singles chart. His second album, Bouncin' Off the Walls (1984), was a commercial failure.
Wilder continued his career as a songwriter and producer. His work includes producing the No Doubt's multi-platinum album Tragic Kingdom (1995). He lent his singing voice to the character of Ling and was nominated for an Academy Award for Original Music Score (along with David Zippel and Jerry Goldsmith) for his work on the Disney film Mulan (1998).
On Broadway, Wilder has once again paired with Zippel to provide the music and lyrics for Princesses, a musical comedy update of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel A Little Princess. The production opened on Broadway in November 2006.
Open Up
Matthew Wilder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A strange voice echoes in the hall
Who's that knocking at my door?
I'm here all by myself, so
Who can that be so late at night?
You're sure it's me you're looking for
Open up
Won't you open up?
Let me in
Mystique is my seduction
I don't ever stand a chance
Nothing matters to me more
Who keeps knocking?
Open up
Let me in
Won't you open up?
Let me in
Baby, open up
Let me in
Who's that knocking?
Who keeps knocking?
Who's that knocking?
A stranger is temptation
Sending shivers up my spine
Danger makes me feel alive
Open up
Let me in
Won't you open up?
Let me in
Baby, open up
Let me in
Won't you open up?
Let me in
Baby, open up
Let me in
Won't you open up?
Let me in
Baby, open up
Let me in
Won't you open up?
Let me in
Baby, open up
(Who keeps knocking?)
Let me in
(Who's that calling?)
Won't you open up?
(Who keeps knocking?)
Let me in
In Matthew Wilder's song "Open Up," the lyrics revolve around a sense of mystery, temptation, and the allure of the unknown. The first verse sets the scene with someone approaching the singer's home, creating a sense of curiosity and apprehension. The repetition of the question "Who keeps knocking?" suggests the singer's confusion about the identity of the person disturbing their solitude.
The chorus "Open up, let me in" represents the internal conflict within the singer. It can be interpreted as an invitation for the mysterious entity to be embraced or a plea for the singer to let go of their reservations and embrace the unknown. The repetition emphasizes the urgency of this desire for connection or exploration.
The second verse introduces the idea of mystique as a seductive force. The singer acknowledges their susceptibility to this allure, admitting they don't stand a chance against it. The repeated question "Who's that knocking?" implies a relentless pursuit, increasing the tension and excitement in the narrative.
The bridge further explores the concept of temptation and danger as sources of thrill and vitality. The phrase "Danger makes me feel alive" suggests that the singer is not intimidated by the unknown but rather finds it invigorating. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the yearning for connection and the desire to embrace the enigmatic force.
Overall, "Open Up" can be seen as a reflection of human nature's fascination with the unknown and the willingness to explore the mysterious aspects of life. It captures the excitement, trepidation, and ultimate surrender to the allure of the unfamiliar, inviting the listener to embrace their own curiosity and to open themselves up to new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's dancing up my stairway?
I am surprised and curious about who is coming up the stairs to my place.
A strange voice echoes in the hall
I hear an unfamiliar voice reverberating through the hallway.
Who's that knocking at my door?
I wonder who is repeatedly tapping on my door.
I'm here all by myself, so
Since I am alone, it's unexpected for someone to be seeking me.
Who can that be so late at night?
I am puzzled about who might visit me at such a late hour.
You're sure it's me you're looking for
You confirm that you are seeking my presence.
Open up
Please unlock and open the door.
Let me in
Allow me to enter.
Won't you open up?
Could you please unfasten the door and let me come inside?
Let me in
Allow me access or admission.
Mystique is my seduction
The air of mystery surrounding me is what attracts others to me.
I don't ever stand a chance
I never have the opportunity to succeed or win.
Nothing matters to me more
There is nothing else that holds greater importance to me.
Who keeps knocking?
I am curious about the identity of the person who continues to knock.
A stranger is temptation
An unknown person presents an alluring or enticing prospect.
Sending shivers up my spine
Causing a sensation of both fear and excitement that travels along my back.
Danger makes me feel alive
Being exposed to risky situations brings a sense of vitality and thrill to me.
Baby, open up
Darling, please open the door and let me in.
Won't you open up?
Could you please unlock the door and allow me access?
Who's that knocking?
I wonder who is making the knocking sounds.
A stranger is temptation
An unfamiliar person is alluring or enticing me.
Sending shivers up my spine
Eliciting a sensation of both fear and excitement that travels along my back.
Danger makes me feel alive
Being exposed to risky situations brings a sense of vitality and thrill to me.
Open up
Please unlock and open the door.
Let me in
Allow me to enter.
Won't you open up?
Could you please unfasten the door and let me come inside?
Let me in
Allow me access or admission.
Baby, open up
Darling, please open the door and let me in.
Let me in
Allow me to enter.
Won't you open up?
Could you please unlock the door and allow me access?
Baby, open up
Darling, please open the door and let me in.
Won't you open up?
Could you please unfasten the door and let me come inside?
Baby, open up
Darling, please open the door and let me in.
Let me in
Allow me to enter.
Won't you open up?
Could you please unlock the door and allow me access?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Matthew Wilder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind