The thumbnail description of Matisyahu: File under Hasidic Beatbox Reggae. Despite having markings of novelty, it’s really nothing of the sort. Fronted by a man named Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller), they are truly a band. Two independently released CDs brought them a rapid and well-deserved ascent, making their signing with a major label a logical step. Youth benefits from a more expansive sound and production by the fantastic Bill Laswell (Golden Palominos, Laurie Anderson, the Last Poets). Matisyahu’s singing and the substance of his songs (spiritual living, self-awareness, the value of knowledge and learning, kindness to others) are presented with a loving sincerity, and buoyed by tremendous musicianship. In particular, drummer Jonah David and guitarist Aaron Dugan bring a wider set of influences and interests to their playing than the reggae tag the band often gets. Free of any proselytizing, this melding of Talmudic teachings and Jamaican rhythms flows so naturally that it underscores the shared roots of the two cultures.
Youth
Some of them come now Some of the running Some of them looking for fun Some of them looking for away out of confusion Some of them don’t know where to be Some of them don’t know where to go Some of them trust their instincts That somethings missing from the show Some don’t fit society Their insides are crying low Some of them teachers squashed the flame ’fore it had a chance to grow Some of them embers still glow Them charcoal hushed and low Some of them come with hunger supressed Not fed them feel the death blow, yo CHORUS: Young man control in your hand Slam your fist on the table And make your demand Take a stand Fan a fire for the flame of the youth Got the freedom to choose You better make the right move
Young man, the power’s in your hand Slam your fist on the table and make your demand You better make the right move "youth is the engine of the world" Storm the halls of vanity Focus your energy Into a laser beam Streaming shattered light Unites to pierce between the seams And it seems The world open peering The children see Rapid fire for your mind Half a truth is just a lie They rub me the wrong way They say their way or fall behind Seventeen disconnect left out The concept as to why There’s a spiritual emptiness So the youth them get vexed Skip class and get wrecked Feel with beer and cigarettes To fill the hole in their chest!