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.
Timothy
The Tallest Man on Earth Lyrics
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And to get right in
Figure that the fear to try
Was the traveling
Deep into the Rockies then
Did the future sound
Timothy, we're waking up
It only takes a gravel road
In Missouri light
Rolling to the way back when
Simple was alright
But mother, I can break the bank
With the pedal down
Timothy, we're waking up
To a healing mind
She said, why are you so complicated
When some time is the only giver?
Remember Arizona kid
In the warrior house
I wonder if he's shaking still
He will be alright
Little are the things we learn
But we're making sound
Timothy, we're waking up
To a healing mind
We don't know many things
Believing is fine
When the moment is about to break into your home
It's a long ways to get it out, so we will go
Follow friendly like it knew what was before
She said, why are you so complicated
When some time is the only giver
It only takes a journalist
And the speed of light
Goes on about the drinks you shared
And what he'll never find
Brother, we just take it back
With the pedal down
Timothy, we're waking up
To a healing mind
The song "Timothy" by The Tallest Man on Earth is a reflection on the journey of self-discovery, the fears and doubts we encounter, and the deep longing for inner peace. The lyrics describe the singer's realization of being wide awake and ready to confront the challenges of life. He recognizes that he was afraid to try new things and that fear held him back in life. Still, now he sees the future as an opportunity for growth and change. The song speaks of a journey into the Rockies, and the realization that the healing power of nature can awaken the mind, offering a chance to start afresh.
The singer reminisces about "the way back when, " when life was simpler, and the little things in life gave him joy. But he now recognizes that he can break the bank and achieve great things if he puts his mind to it. The song speaks of a healer who encourages him to wake up and heal his mind, and the journey to self-discovery and acceptance. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the importance of letting go of your fears, embracing change and being open to learning and new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Suddenly the wide awake
We were suddenly alert and attentive
And to get right in
And ready to involve ourselves fully
Figure that the fear to try
Realizing that our fear of failure was holding us back
Was the traveling
Was the journey itself
Deep into the Rockies then
We traveled deep into the Rocky Mountains
Did the future sound
We contemplated what the future held
Timothy, we're waking up
We're becoming more aware
To a healing mind
To a state of emotional recovery
It only takes a gravel road
A simple path is all that's needed
In Missouri light
In the serene light of Missouri
Rolling to the way back when
Reminiscing about the past
Simple was alright
Acknowledging that simplicity was enough
But mother, I can break the bank
But I'm willing to take risks and spend a lot to achieve my goals
With the pedal down
With full speed and determination
She said, why are you so complicated
She wondered why we made things so difficult
When some time is the only giver?
When time is the only thing we truly have to give
Remember Arizona kid
Recalling someone from our past in Arizona
In the warrior house
In a place where strength and bravery were valued
I wonder if he's shaking still
Wondering if he's still fearful or if he's found peace
He will be alright
Believing that everything will work out for him
Little are the things we learn
We learn very few things
But we're making sound
But we're making progress
We don't know many things
We don't have all the answers
Believing is fine
It's okay to have faith without certainty
When the moment is about to break into your home
When a significant event or realization is about to occur
It's a long ways to get it out, so we will go
It will take time and effort, but we're willing to persevere
Follow friendly like it knew what was before
Following someone or something that seems to know the way forward
It only takes a journalist
Only a journalist is needed
And the speed of light
And a very fast pace
Goes on about the drinks you shared
Writes about the conversations and interactions you had over drinks
And what he'll never find
But can't capture the true essence of your experience
Brother, we just take it back
We reclaim what was taken from us
Timothy, we're waking up
We're becoming more aware
To a healing mind
To a state of emotional recovery
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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