The current members of the band are Rob Thomas (vocals, piano), Paul Doucette (drums, now guitar), Kyle Cook (lead guitar, vocals) and Brian Yale (bass). Adam Gaynor (rhythm guitar), who has left the band, performed on their first three albums, as well. Rob Thomas is the principal songwriter and lead singer.
Thomas, Yale and Doucette performed in the band Tabitha's Secret out of Orlando, Florida before splitting apart to form Matchbox Twenty with Cook and Gaynor.
Matchbox Twenty released their first album, Yourself or Someone Like You in 1996. While their first single, "Long Day", was a rock radio-only smash, the album soon spun off several Top 40 hit singles throughout 1997 and 1998, including "Push", "3 A.M.", "Real World" and "Back 2 Good". The album eventually went on to sell over 12 million copies in the U.S. alone, earning diamond status. The band toured relentlessly for several years, performing the songs from their one and only album, along with some beloved cover songs such as Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and The Beatles' "Don't Let Me Down". Their fan base grew from concert to concert because of their electrifying live performances and the longevity of their hit singles on radio. The same year, Matchbox Twenty recorded a live version of their Top-40 hit "3 A.M." for release on the charity album Live in the X Lounge, benefiting cerebral palsy research.
Before recording their second album, Rob Thomas collaborated with Itaal Shur on a song entitled "Smooth" for Carlos Santana's comeback album, Supernatural. The song had a pop-tinged Latin beat and showcased Thomas' lyrical talents. Thomas was supposed to act solely as songwriter on "Smooth", but Carlos Santana had him sing on it as well after hearing the song's demo recording. "Smooth", was the album's lead single and became a gigantic hit in 1999; Thomas earned three Grammys for writing and performing on "Smooth", including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
In 2000, Matchbox 20 renamed themselves Matchbox Twenty and released their second album, Mad Season. The album featured lush instrumental arrangements and spun off several hit singles, including "Bent" (Number One on Hot 100) and "If You're Gone". The video for "Bent", poked fun of singer Thomas' heightened profile from "Smooth" by showing the other band members assaulting him mercilessly. The evocatively arranged ballad "If You're Gone" became a big hit, especially on adult contemporary formats. The band's next two singles, "Mad Season" and "Last Beautiful Girl" were not particularly successful. Fans also note hearing "Black & White People" receive radio play, despite not being released as a single.
For their third album, More Than You Think You Are, the band returned to a harder rock sound. Thomas shared the songwriting efforts with the other band members on several songs. The album spun off hit singles "Disease", "Unwell", and "Bright Lights".
In May 2004, the band released a live concert DVD, Show: A Night in the Life of Matchbox Twenty, filmed in Atlanta and featuring 20 songs, including all of their hit singles.
In February 2005, rhythm guitarist Gaynor officially left the group, which had been on hiatus to allow other members to pursue side projects. Rob Thomas went on to release a solo album entitled ...Something To Be which became the U.S. Billboard 200 #1 album the first week of its release. The album featured four hit singles: "Lonely No More", "This is How a Heart Breaks", "Ever the Same" and "Streetcorner Symphony".
In January 2007, Rob Thomas released a single entitled "Little Wonders" which he wrote for the Disney movie Meet the Robinsons.
Their "Exile On Mainstream" album was released on October 2, 2007 as a two disc set. The first disc featured 6 new songs, including the hit "How Far We've Come", which could be heard on the accompanying website, along with the music video. The second disc contained 11 of their greatest hits, such as "Push", "Bent" and "Unwell".
The She’s So Mean Songfacts reports that Matchbox Twenty's fourth studio album North is the first record of new material that the band has released for ten years, although they did record seven new songs for their 2007 compilation album Exile On Mainstream. The album was released on September 4, 2012.
www.matchboxtwenty.com
Hang on Every Word
Matchbox Twenty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No matter what you've heard
Don't let the rainy days
Cloud what you're seeing
I know you're thinking that you've shown up
With so much you need to learn
But all you have to do is talk to me
Hang on every word
Word that you say
Let your voice be the edge of my world
When nothing goes right
And all you can speak is the hurt
I will hang
Hang on every word
It's okay if you can't
And it's okay if you freeze
'Cause it's about what you'll do next
That gives you meaning
And sometimes they mean to break you
And sometimes you need to be scared
But I am right around the corner
When you're there
And I will hang
Hang on every word
Word that you say
Let your voice be the edge of my world
When nothing goes right
And all you can speak is the hurt
I will hang
Hang on every word
You, you can feel free to brag
You can cry up a storm
If all that you need is someone to believe you
I will hang
Hang on every word
Word that you say
Let your voice be the edge of my world
When nothing goes right
And all you can speak is the (hurt)
I will hang
Hang on every word
Hang on every word
Every word
Hang on every word
And if suddenly everything starts to be clear
But there's no one around here
That you think will care
I will hang
I'll hang
Hang on every word
The lyrics to "Hang on Every Word" by Matchbox Twenty convey a message of support, reassurance, and unconditional acceptance. The song encourages the listener to remain steadfast in their beliefs and not let external circumstances or negative experiences discourage them.
The opening lines, "Don't let your falling stars blow out / No matter what you've heard / Don't let the rainy days / Cloud what you're seeing," urge the listener to persevere through difficult times and not let setbacks extinguish their dreams or cloud their perception of reality. It emphasizes the importance of staying determined and focused.
The chorus states, "All you have to do is talk to me / And I will hang / Hang on every word / Word that you say." This signifies the importance of communication and the singer's willingness to listen and pay attention to the listener's words. It emphasizes that their voice matters and that the singer will be there to support them.
The lyrics also address the fears and insecurities that often accompany personal growth. The lines, "I know you're thinking that you've shown up / With so much you need to learn," acknowledge the listener's self-doubt and assure them that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. The singer offers their presence and reassurance, promising to be there when needed.
The song further emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and expressing oneself honestly. It encourages the listener to share their emotions and experiences freely, even if they involve pain or hurt. The lines, "Let your voice be the edge of my world / When nothing goes right / And all you can speak is the hurt," express the singer's willingness to be the listener's anchor and find solace in their words.
Ultimately, the song's message is one of unwavering support. It underscores the idea that the listener can rely on the singer to be there when they need someone to believe in them, whether it's during moments of success or when they feel isolated and unheard. The repeated affirmation, "I will hang / Hang on every word," reinforces the singer's commitment to being a source of stability and understanding in the listener's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let your falling stars blow out
Don't allow your dreams and aspirations to fade or disappear
No matter what you've heard
Regardless of any negative opinions or rumors you may have encountered
Don't let the rainy days cloud what you're seeing
Don't allow difficult or challenging times to obscure your perspective or vision
I know you're thinking that you've shown up
I understand that you believe you have arrived or are present in a certain situation
With so much you need to learn
Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge or experience you still require
But all you have to do is talk to me
Simply communicate with me and share your thoughts and feelings
And I will hang
I will attentively listen and be there for you
Hang on every word
Pay close attention and give significance to every word you express
Word that you say
Each and every statement or remark you make
Let your voice be the edge of my world
Allow your voice to shape and define my existence and reality
When nothing goes right
During times when everything seems to go wrong or fall apart
And all you can speak is the hurt
When the only words you can utter are related to pain or suffering
It's okay if you can't
It's acceptable if you are unable to handle or cope with something
And it's okay if you freeze
It's acceptable if you momentarily become immobile or unable to act
'Cause it's about what you'll do next
Because the crucial aspect is how you will proceed or respond
That gives you meaning
That provides purpose or significance to your life
And sometimes they mean to break you
Occasionally, others intentionally strive to harm or weaken you
And sometimes you need to be scared
And there are moments when it's necessary to experience fear
But I am right around the corner
However, I am always nearby or within reach
When you're there
When you require support or assistance
You, you can feel free to brag
You are allowed to proudly express your achievements or accomplishments
You can cry up a storm
You are permitted to cry intensely or release your emotions freely
If all that you need is someone to believe you
If having someone who has faith in you is all you require
I will hang
I will be there, steadfast and supportive
Let your voice be the edge of my world
Allow your voice to be the boundary or limit of my reality
And if suddenly everything starts to be clear
In the event that things unexpectedly become understandable or evident
But there's no one around here
But if there is a lack of people nearby
That you think will care
That you believe will show concern or interest
I will hang
I will remain present and attentive
I'll hang
I will continue to be there for you
Hang on every word
Listen attentively and attach importance to each and every word
Lyrics © Sentric Music
Written by: Paul Doucette
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leidenbherwani4244
Why does this song make me cry? 🥹 Beautiful song. ❤
@alc2966
Oh Rob…you did it again. 😭
I love this song. I knew as soon as the piano started I would love it. I’ve been a fan since you started. Your music is therapy for me. I am so happy I have new music to listen to.
@Nathan-se3fr
Right! Rob is awesome and can do anything but Paul Doucette wrote this song about his kid
@truetales187
Seriously surprised my replay button isn't broke yet
@SMELLGOODER
I feel ya!!
@Nobleness-KnoWledge
Thank u was thinking the same Rob is awesome
@n2tigers99
Right?! Me too.
@mattmosier2102
I love you for everything in my life. Thats the story
@Gustavo-np8cl
Very good song matchbox
@shyshadowsmile
This song is like a warm blanket. So cozy and soothing ❤