"How Far We've Come" by Matchbox Twenty
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
Note: We focus on reviewing songs, and therefore cannot comment on the appropriateness of the album in its entirety. Please use your best judgment whenever purchasing or listening to music.
A staple on the Top 40 charts for almost ten years, Matchbox Twenty has become one of the few trans-generational rock bands. In other words, your parents might know this band as well as you do (if they’re into that kind of thing).
The Band
Matchbox Twenty’s success came slowly. Florida singer and songwriter Rob Thomas hooked up with bassist Brian Yale, drummer Paul Doucette, and later guitar and vocalist Adam Gaynor and lead guitarist Kyle Cook in the mid-90s. Their debut “Yourself or Someone Like You” was released in October of ’96. The record didn’t make an initial splash, but the album kept selling. By 2000 it had gone platinum ten times without ever topping the charts. Four years later, “Mad Season” came out, followed by “More Than You Think You Are.”
The Album
“Exile on Mainstream” was released September 27, 2007, as mix of new songs and greatest hits. New song “How Far We’ve Come” is the immediate chart topper and pre-released single. Other popular newbies are “These Hard Times” and “Can’t Let You Go.” While none of the songs are labeled explicit, the lyrics can be pretty dark, and several songs contain sexual references.
The Song
This is one of those songs that’s so easy to sing along to -- a good driving song. And in mindlessly singing along, I was surprised when I realized how powerful the words really are. “How Far We’ve Come” is a picture of someone looking for meaning. The world looks bleak through his eyes, and it causes him to question who he is and what it all means.
The whole song is packed with confusion, apathy, and longing. Here’s just a glimpse of the lyrics: “I’m waking up at the start of the end of the world… Now I wonder what my life is going to mean if it’s gone… Can you tell me what was ever really special about me all this time?” The chorus follows with, “Well, I believe it all is coming to an end/ Oh well, I guess we’re gonna pretend, let’s see how far we’ve come…”
More so than most other songs on the charts, this one at least opens up a dialogue. What is life all about? Where is the world headed? What’s your role in the world? Does anything matter? These are heavy questions, but questions that everyone struggles with on occasion. Students especially are trying to figure it out in a culture that doesn’t have solid answers.
As Christians we can be confident that there are answers to our questions -- answers that are true and unchanging and give an understanding of the evil and chaos around us as well as hope for something better. Jesus understands the troublesome life around us. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) There is truth that brings peace.
So What Do You Think?
1. Can you think of any other hits by Matchbox Twenty?
2. What do you suppose draws people to their music?
3. Is it depressing to listen to songs like this? What about when you read the lyrics?
4. What would you say to someone who feels like the singer does in this song?