Matrimony II
Tennis Lyrics


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I only have certainty
When you hold my hand
There's so much I don't understand

Baby we've been orbiting
Each other helplessly
I guess that I blacked out
But remembered to move my mouth
So much for my vows
More concerned with here and know

No one knows of love that's slow
Held like the longest breath or
The gentle pull of gravity
That's being unto death
I can't go on living with a spark
That's only flickering
I only want that tenderness
With every moment left

I could never find something better
I even changed my name
By my side in every kind of weather
I'll never be the same

I could never find something better
I even changed my name
By my side in every kind of weather
I'll never be the same

Come closer you say
Black cats in the neighborhood
Aren't necessarily a sign of something
You know me so well
There goes the neighborhood
Let it all go burning down around us

No one knows of love that's slow
Held like the longest breath or
The gentle pull of gravity
That's being unto death
I can't go on living with a spark
That's only flickering
I only want that tenderness
With every moment left

To give, ohh
To give, ohh

I could never find something better
I even changed my name
By my side in every kind of weather
I'll never be the same

I could never find something better
I even changed my name




By my side in every kind of weather
I'll never be the same

Overall Meaning

In "Matrimony II" by Tennis, the lyrics delve into the deep and profound connection between two individuals in a romantic relationship. The singer expresses how their certainty and understanding of life only grows when they are holding their partner's hand. Despite not comprehending everything in the world, they find solace and security in the presence of their loved one.


The song highlights the idea of two people being intertwined and orbiting around each other, acknowledging the powerful force that love can be. The singer admits to getting caught up in the moment, perhaps even forgetting their own promises, as they prioritize being present and cherishing the here and now. They emphasize a desire for a love that is slow and enduring, like a long-held breath or the gentle pull of gravity, even unto death. It's a love that doesn't waver or flicker like a dying fire, but one that brings tenderness and sweetness with every passing moment.


The lyrics also touch upon the idea of transformation and the profound impact the partner has had on the singer's life. By stating that they "even changed my name," it signifies a rebirth or reinvention of their identity, symbolizing how deeply their partner has influenced and shaped them. The singer is grateful for the unwavering presence of their partner through all kinds of weather, implying that their love is unwavering and constant.


Overall, "Matrimony II" explores the depth and transformative power of love, highlighting the immense impact a partner can have on one's life and the desire for a love that is steady and enduring.


Line by Line Meaning

I only have certainty
I feel truly sure and confident


When you hold my hand
When we are connected physically, I find comfort and reassurance


There's so much I don't understand
Although our relationship has its mysteries, I am still deeply committed


Baby we've been orbiting
We have been revolving around each other, unable to escape


Each other helplessly
We are dependent on one another, unable to resist the pull between us


I guess that I blacked out
I lost consciousness of everything else


But remembered to move my mouth
Yet, I still managed to speak and express myself


So much for my vows
My promises seem less significant in comparison to our connection


More concerned with here and now
I am focused on the present moment and immediate experiences


No one knows of love that's slow
Very few understand the beauty of a love that develops gradually over time


Held like the longest breath or
A love held with patience and endurance, like a deep breath


The gentle pull of gravity
The subtle force that keeps us bound together


That's being unto death
A love that exists until the end of our lives


I can't go on living with a spark
I cannot continue my life with only fleeting moments of passion


That's only flickering
A love that is unsteady and unreliable


I only want that tenderness
I desire the gentle care and affection of a consistent love


With every moment left
For the rest of our time together, I want to experience that tenderness


I could never find something better
There is nothing superior or more fulfilling than what we have


I even changed my name
My identity has shifted because of our relationship


By my side in every kind of weather
You have been with me through all the ups and downs


I'll never be the same
I have been forever transformed by our love


Come closer you say
You beckon me to draw nearer to you


Black cats in the neighborhood
The presence of superstition or bad luck nearby


Aren't necessarily a sign of something
They may not always signify negative events


You know me so well
You understand me deeply


There goes the neighborhood
Our relationship is causing a stir or disruption around us


Let it all go burning down around us
We should embrace the chaos and let everything else crumble while we remain together


To give, ohh
To offer, to surrender


I could never find something better
There is nothing superior or more fulfilling than what we have


I even changed my name
My identity has shifted because of our relationship


By my side in every kind of weather
You have been with me through all the ups and downs


I'll never be the same
I have been forever transformed by our love




Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Patrick Riley, Alaina Moore-Riley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MirandaAndUh

Alaina sings this like it's the last song she'll ever sing. It's brimming with so much emotional intensity and a passion that I can only describe as sounding urgent. It may just be the times we're in, but it feels like one last declaration of love between partners before the world ends. Incredibly beautiful songwriting.

@tay0mason

Yeah, there's like a certain desperation in her voice, and I don't mean that in a bad way. It's like chill, and sexy, and enthralling.

@counterpuncher01

Definitely one of their best.. one of the most unique songs I've ever heard ever

@lem2223

Can't believe Tennis really invented Marriage with this song.

@thelegendgamer33

Does anyone else feel angsty for all the times in their lives that they've wasted being bored and you wish that somehow you could connect your brain to a database that could pick exact music you would like, like this band and would uplift you nearly instantly instead of wasting your time?

Finding a good band like this makes me dissapointed to think how many other good bands exist that I don't know about.

@coolangel834

We are so grateful for Tennis

@kyleag86

I've never thought about that but now I will not stop thinking about it ๐Ÿ˜…

@counterpuncher01

If it makes you feel any better there's no one like tennis you're in the right place

@managfa21

Matrimony is one of my favorite songs of all time. I'm so glad there's a sequel.

@kato76109

That dude Patrick always makes those groovy licks on all their songs. Very underrated bass player

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