He is perhaps most known for his vocal performances for Yoko Kanno for her Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex soundtracks. However, he is also known amongst Morrissey fans by being part of the former band Elva Snow which boasted both Matthew’s vocals and ex-Morrissey member Spencer Cobrin as drummer and composer.
His albums are Scott Matthew (album) (2007), Silent Nights EP (2008) and There Is An Ocean That Divides (2009).
Also to note: Matthew is sometimes credited as "Scotty Matthew", and is occasionally miscredited as having the last name Matthews, and as such is not to be confused with the British-born singer/songwriter Scott Matthews.
Ornament
Scott Matthew Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The devil taught me alibis
Now you've seen all that I'll never be
It thrills me 'cause you're still not leaving
The money spent
the way I vent
Vices collect like ornaments
It thrills me 'cause you're still not leaving
Oh Please don't make me say it
It would only complicate it
And this perseverance helps to
Guide this grieving
I've taken drugs , I've taken sides
The devil himself taught me alibis
Now you've seen all that I'll never be
It kills me 'cause you're still not leaving
In the first verse of "Ornament," Scott Matthew reflects on his past mistakes and choices. He has taken drugs and sides, and the devil has taught him alibis. The devil, in this case, symbolizes the darker parts of our psyche that can lead us to make decisions we're not proud of. Despite exposing to their partner all the things he will never be, he's still happy because his partner has decided to stay with him. He's relieved from that fear of abandonment and feels content to be in their company.
In the second verse, he discusses how he spends his money and vents out his vices, similar to how he collects ornaments. It is unclear whether he holds on to his vices to fill a void or to drown out his emotions. In any case, his partner knows everything about him, the good and the bad, and has not left him. At the end of the verse, he fears that telling his lover the truth will only complicate things. His perseverance helps him keep moving forward in life despite the things that trouble him.
The chorus brings everything together by repeating the first verse, emphasizing how he's taking drugs and taking sides, yet his partner has stayed despite seeing him at his worst. He's stuck in the thought of the love he's been given, which brings him pain as he realizes how he has taken these good things for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
I've taken drugs , I've taken sides
I have indulged in drugs and picked sides in situations
The devil taught me alibis
I learned to make excuses for my actions from the devil or evil influences
Now you've seen all that I'll never be
You have witnessed my flaws and shortcomings, and I cannot change them
It thrills me 'cause you're still not leaving
I am happy that you choose to stay despite my imperfections
The money spent
I have wasted money on my vices
the way I vent
The method I use to release negative emotions
Vices collect like ornaments
My bad habits accumulate over time like decorations
Oh Please don't make me say it
I do not want to reveal or express something
It would only complicate it
Talking about it would make the situation more complex
And this perseverance helps to
I maintain my patience and determination to
Guide this grieving
Move past my sorrow and negative feelings
It kills me 'cause you're still not leaving
It pains me that you have to witness my faults, but I appreciate that you are still by my side
Contributed by Taylor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mario RODRÍGUEZ RUIZ
Simply superb.