The Game
The Matchup Lyrics

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On this unknown road
We're counting the miles
In addition to everything we've lost
Empty shows and parking lots
That's all we'll ever know

I'll keep on rocking as long as music will be ringing in my head
Hard work and perseverance are the only keys

Nothing is ever changing
it's all the same but stillwe're down to play your game
been there a million times before
trying to break the seal

Been waiting all night long
for a single call,
The phone is not ringning, not counting on anyone
We'll get there on our own, like we do all the time
Singning you the songs created in our minds

Strumming chords and writing rimes
Composition is part of our lives

Broken strings and twisted thoughts
That's all we'll ever know.

Overall Meaning

The Matchup's song The Game is about the struggles and challenges that come with being a musician, specifically in terms of the constant touring and performing. The first verse speaks to the monotony of life on the road, with empty shows and parking lots becoming the norm. However, the singer remains determined to keep going and "rocking" as long as there is music in their head. The chorus speaks to the idea that success in music (and likely in life) comes down to hard work and perseverance, and that despite the countless times they have faced similar challenges before, they are still willing to "play the game" and try to break through.

The second verse addresses the isolation of being a musician, waiting for opportunities that may or may not come, and ultimately relying on their own abilities to make things happen. The final lines of the song, "Strumming chords and writing rimes / Composition is part of our lives / Broken strings and twisted thoughts / That's all we'll ever know," emphasize the idea that music is both a passion and a struggle, and that despite the difficulties, it is a fundamental part of who they are and what they do.

Line by Line Meaning

On this unknown road
We are traveling on a path whose outcome is uncertain and cannot be predicted.

We're counting the miles
We are measuring and recording the distance that we have traveled so far.

In addition to everything we've lost
We have lost a lot of things besides the obvious quantifiable losses.

Empty shows and parking lots
Our experience consists mostly of playing to vacant audiences and parking lots.

That's all we'll ever know
We are limited to knowing only this amount of success and are unlikely to experience more.

I'll keep on rocking as long as music will be ringing in my head
I will continue to perform as long as I have music in my thoughts and passion in my heart.

Hard work and perseverance are the only keys
The formula for success consists only of working tirelessly and continuing despite setbacks.

Nothing is ever changing
The circumstances and opportunities we encounter remain constant and unchanging.

it's all the same but still we're down to play your game
Although the playing field and situations are familiar, we will still compete using our own skills and strategies.

been there a million times before
We have experienced these scenarios repeatedly in the past.

trying to break the seal
Our aim is to break the cycle and make things happen in our own favor.

Been waiting all night long
We have been anticipating an opportunity or call throughout the night.

for a single call,
We are waiting for a particular phone call or communication from someone.

The phone is not ringing, not counting on anyone
We cannot rely on anyone else to make things happen or provide opportunities for us.

We'll get there on our own, like we do all the time
We are determined to succeed through our own efforts and resources, which are our usual means of achieving success.

Singing you the songs created in our minds
We are sharing songs that have come from our own creativity and imagination.

Strumming chords and writing rhymes
We are using our musical talent to play instruments and write lyrics.

Composition is part of our lives
Music creation is an integral part of our existence and identity.

Broken strings and twisted thoughts
Our instruments or musical equipments may be damaged and our minds sometimes negative or complex.

That's all we'll ever know.
We may be limited to only having this level of knowledge and experience in our musical pursuits.

Contributed by Aria M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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