Since 2006, Matsson has released four full-length albums and two EPs. He records and produces these in his home, and usually records his voice and guitar together on one track. He is known both by his fans and his enemies for his charismatic stage presence.
Critics have compared The Tallest Man on Earth to Bob Dylan both in terms of songwriting ability and vocal style. When asked about his lyrical style, Matsson explains that he began listening to Bob Dylan at fifteen, and upon hearing Dylan's cover material, he "tried to figure out where those songs came from" and became slowly exposed to early American folk, such as Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. But he is careful to qualify this, saying "I don't consider my work to be a part of any tradition. This is how I play. This is how I write songs."
With regard to his guitar technique, Matsson uses a variety of open tunings, and standard tuning to a lesser degree. He had classical guitar training in his youth, but says he "never really focused on it" and that by the end of high school he "got bored playing guitar because it was like math", until he then discovered open tunings while listening to Nick Drake in his early twenties. He was drawn to this style of playing because it allowed him to focus on singing while still performing intricate music.
He was previously married to Amanda Bergman, also known by the stage name Idiot Wind. Together, they wrote the music for the Swedish drama film Once a Year.
This Wind
The Tallest Man on Earth Lyrics
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If he found it was rain in your hands
Like a dog set on wheels you will lope down the street
From the sound of the scratch in his claws
As the buildings who hide you knew nothing bout time
But an arrow just brushin' your chin
You said, "Damn be this wind is still movin' on in
You said, "Damn be this wind it's still movin' on in
To the bones and the bed of my soul."
Like a fox on the run from the well-informed son
With the bearin's for cannonball love
Just like nobody said where that eagle was fed
'Till you stood on the black cross in June
Just like nobody said where that eagle was fed
'Till you stood on the black cross in June
And nobody said that the raven was dead,
So you hid all your tears in the grass.
Sure, it could look like dew, but they're laughin' at you
And they'll send in their clowns when you're lost.
Sure, it could look like dew, but they're laughin' at you
And they'll send in the clowns when you're lost.
You said, "Damn be this wind it's still movin' on in
To the bones and the bed of my soul."
The Tallest Man on Earth's song "This Wind" is a hauntingly beautiful tune that is ripe with symbolism and imagery. The lyrics are dark and mysterious, with an ethereal quality that captures the listener's imagination. In the opening lines, the raven is introduced as a metaphor for the unknown, and the rain in his hands could represent a future of uncertainty. The image of a dog set on wheels loping down the street from the scratch of his claws sets a foreboding tone.
The second stanza speaks of the evanescence of time, and the arrows just brushing by one's chin (through the singer's hairs) shows how it's impossible to fully grasp or control anything in life. The "Damn be this wind" line speaks of a force that is beyond one's control, yet still impacts greatly the soul, which is symbolized as the bones and the bed. The third and final stanza then brings in the symbolism of an eagle and sends in the clowns as a cruel reminder that we are not free, but rather puppets on strings.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody knew what the raven would do
The outcome of a situation can be unpredictable.
If he found it was rain in your hands
It's hard to keep things hidden, especially from those who are observant.
Like a dog set on wheels you will lope down the street
Feeling restless and aimless, moving through life like a dog chasing something out of reach.
From the sound of the scratch in his claws
The small details can be significant in predicting an impending change or danger.
As the buildings who hide you knew nothing bout time
Time moves on despite feelings of stagnation or being trapped in a place or situation.
But an arrow just brushin' your chin
Moments of danger or close calls can give perspective on what truly matters.
You said, 'Damn be this wind is still movin' on in
Feeling weighed down and struggling to move forward in life despite the unstoppable passage of time.
To the bones and the bed of my soul.'
Feeling the impact of this struggle on a deep emotional level.
Like a fox on the run from the well-informed son
Trying to evade consequences or expectations set by those in power or authority.
With the bearin's for cannonball love
Feeling the pressure of intense emotions that can be destructive or overwhelming.
Just like nobody said where that eagle was fed
Mysteries can remain unsolved and unknown to us, despite our best efforts to understand them.
'Till you stood on the black cross in June
A moment of realization or clarity can give insight into something that was once a mystery.
And nobody said that the raven was dead,
Just because a situation appears to have resolved itself, it doesn't mean that there won't be lingering effects or consequences.
So you hid all your tears in the grass.
Trying to hide emotional pain or hurt from others.
Sure, it could look like dew, but they're laughin' at you
Experiencing feelings of betrayal or mockery from those who were once trusted.
And they'll send in their clowns when you're lost.
When one is feeling lost and vulnerable, others may take advantage of that weakness for their own entertainment or gain.
You said, 'Damn be this wind it's still movin' on in
Repeating the feeling of being weighed down and struggling to move forward in life despite the unstoppable passage of time.
To the bones and the bed of my soul.'
Reiterating the impact of this struggle on a deep emotional level.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kristian Matsson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind