In 1995, songwriter/producer and representative for Atlantic Records Matt Serletic approached the members of Tabitha's Secret concerning a long-term record deal. However, Serletic was more interested in helping Thomas find his voice than he was in the band Tabitha's Secret. Jay Stanley and John Goff were uninterested in a long-term record deal, believing it was better to sign for a one-record deal and evaluate the situation following this record's release. Thomas, however, felt the band should take the offer.
The fact that Stanley and Goff were resistant to sign, alongside pressure from the record company to drop the two guitar players, Thomas, Yale, and Doucette decided it was best to part ways with the other members of the band. Splitting the band landed Thomas, Yale, and Doucette a two-record deal with Atlantic Records, which was later renewed. With their two guitar players gone, Atlantic introduced the trio to Adam Gaynor, a rhythm guitarist and Kyle Cook, a lead guitarist. The five now comprise Matchbox Twenty, a world-renowned band.
When Matchbox Twenty debuted its first album Yourself or Someone Like You, Jay Stanley sued for royalties, claiming he owned the rights to the song 3am which appeared on the newly released record. Stanley stated that he was paid for the original recording sessions of the song when it was performed by Tabitha's Secret (it's released on multiple albums by Tabitha's Secret). This lawsuit lasted five years and was settled in 2000.
Although the band never released any records while they were together, Jay Stanley released three albums after getting the rights to the recordings of Tabitha's Secret. He released a rough demo mix, "Don't Play With Matches" in 1998, to satisfy the hard-core fans and the "Live" record in 2000. Later, Stanley joined with Tony Miceli and engineer George Spatta to re-mix, re-master, and overdub the original recordings and put them into the album "Tabitha's Secret?" which was released in late 2001.
Forever December
Tabitha's Secret Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I harbor it, I honor it
You say you'd like to see me closer,
Of course you would, you have no choice
(intro to chorus)
And I cry cause the weather has gotten to me, and I laugh at the people that I can't be,
All their lives,
(chorus)
Hey now now now, hey now hey baby
Baby's getting older
Hey now now now hey now hey baby
The tide is turning, turning us away,
You build the wall I'll build the fountain,
We'll wrestle it,
We'll conquer it
I think we'll live to see the mountain
Of course we will
We have no choice
(intro to chorus)
(chorus)
And I can remember
Forever December,
The center of dying,
The heart of the pain
The rose in the bottle,
The thorns in the bottom
The stars surround me, the cold astounds me
(solo)
(intro to chorus)
(chorus)
The lyrics to Tabitha's Secret's song Forever December highlight a sense of isolation and the acceptance of it. The first line "I reach within my isolation" suggests that the singer has retreated within themselves to cope with their pain or loneliness. They "harbor" and "honor" this isolation, almost as if it's become a friend that they've grown accustomed to. However, someone else (perhaps a loved one or friend) wants to connect with them on a deeper level, but the singer acknowledges that the only reason that person would want to is that they have "no choice." The fear of vulnerability and the fear of letting go of the pain that has become a part of them creates a blockage that the other person cannot penetrate, which is highlighted by the repetition of the line "we have no choice."
The chorus introduces the idea that the singer is battling with depression, as it mentions crying due to the weather, and laughing at the thought of being like everyone else. The repetition of "hey now hey baby" implies a sense of desperation to connect with someone, to be understood, and to feel needed or loved. The line "the tide is turning, turning us away" suggests that things may be getting worse, or that time is passing by and the singer is not making the necessary changes to move forward. However, there is still a sense of hope and determination in the line "we'll conquer it," as if the singer is willing to fight for their emotional wellbeing.
Line by Line Meaning
I reach within my isolation,
I am introspective and keep to myself, focusing on my own thoughts and feelings.
I harbor it, I honor it
I keep my isolation close to me, accepting and valuing it for what it is.
You say you'd like to see me closer,
Others want to connect with me on a deeper level and be closer emotionally.
Of course you would, you have no choice
It is human nature to desire connection and closeness with others, so it's natural that they would feel this way.
Hey now now now, hey now hey baby
A refrain calling for attention and addressing someone affectionately.
Baby's getting older
Time is passing, and change is constantly happening.
The tide is turning, turning us away,
Circumstances are shifting and moving us in a direction away from each other, despite our desires.
You build the wall I'll build the fountain,
One person may be putting up barriers, while the other is trying to create something beautiful.
We'll wrestle it,
We'll face the challenges that arise and work through them together.
We'll conquer it
We'll overcome those challenges and be successful in our efforts.
I think we'll live to see the mountain
We'll have a long journey ahead of us, but we'll keep working towards our goals and eventually reach them.
Of course we will
We are determined and have the drive to succeed, so there's no question that we will see it through.
And I can remember
Looking back on my memories and reflecting on my past experiences.
Forever December
A significant moment in time that has left a lasting impression on me.
The center of dying
A time of great loss and pain that was at the heart of that moment.
The heart of the pain
The intense emotional distress that I experienced during that time.
The rose in the bottle,
A beautiful symbol of hope and resilience that was preserved and protected despite the difficult circumstances.
The thorns in the bottom
The painful aspects of that same symbol that were hidden beneath the surface.
The stars surround me, the cold astounds me
Despite the darkness and coldness that I'm feeling, there's still a glimmer of hope and beauty in the world around me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN YALE, JOHN GOFF, JOHN JOSEPH STANLEY, ROB THOMAS, ROBERT THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@julesme2167
2019 and I STILL adore him, them Tabitha's Secret ❤
Let's NOT forget MatchboxTwenty people! ❤
@feyaya2981
I agree this is the best version. Something about Rob's voice makes everything he sings so captivating heartfelt.
@tekkenbattlesandupdates5509
This song have 3 versions, but this version is the best, I love the bridge part. Tabithas Secret is the best.
@CaribbeanKitty2
Rob Thomas's voice is my heaven :) he is just amazing -3
@Kronida
I´ve cried with this!!! It rolled me back to my 15 years old (although I had 8 or 10 when this was released). What a great GREAT song!!!!
@kody3am
This takes me back 20 years to free Tabithas shows in Ybor city, Tampa. I was 16 and up to no good....and I blossomed when Matchbox finally made it <3
@MsShannaK
I always come
Back to this every few years 😌 good times
@MsShannaK
Has it really been that long 🥲🥲💞 so thankful for them. Pushed me thru the crusty teen years. Hope y’all are well all these years later
@furiousdean13
Even though I born 1997, still I love this kind of songs, especially Matchbox 20, Rob Thomas and Tabitha's Secret. I love slow rock songs ❤️❤️❤️
@ThisIsNateMori
beautiful song!