Matthew West » New Music Friday-"Something To Say"

New Music Friday-"Something To Say"
January 11, 2008 - Comments (5)

Traditionally, the title cut for any record has been the
hardest for me to write. So much seems
to weigh on the shoulders of a title cut. I always view it as sort of a summary for the rest of the album. A Cliff’s Notes, if you will. It has to paint the message of the entire
record with broad strokes, leaving room for the each individual song on the
record to add more specific highlights and colors.

By now,
your saying to yourself, “He’s over thinking this…” And you may be right. Well, good news is, I ditched the traditional
“Battle of the
Title Cut,” and had some fun with this one. I somehow wrote this song minus all the pressure of capturing the
message of an entire album. And what do
you know? That’s precisely what this
song wound up doing!

Here’s the
crazy thing. I had begun writing these
words down over and over again in my journal, “Something To Say.” Something told me that should be the title of
my next record. I can’t really explain
it. It just felt right. And at the time, I was thinking the
significance of the title would be that after two records I still had something
to say as a singer and songwriter. In
reality, I had no idea that “Something To Say” was about to take on a whole new
meaning in my life.

EMI bought
me out of my deal at Universal. It had
take about six months. I had been
waiting to make another record, and finally my chance had come. I had all the songs written, the title
picked, producer selected, and the schedule booked. The wheels had been set into motion. Then, in
April of this year my voice felt different. Not a good kind of different. I
was having trouble singing.

One visit
to the Vanderbilt Voice Center
brought all of my plans to a screeching halt. The doctors looked at my vocal chords and ordered a complete shutdown of
all vocal activity. The
prescription? Silence. No talking, no singing, no studio, no tours,
no interviews, nothing to say. I was
devastated. In my mind I kept thinking,
“I just can’t catch a break.” After a
few weeks of vocal silence, I found out that surgery was the only option if I
hoped to sing or speak normally again. So, in May I had to undergo surgery on the instrument that I rely so
much on to do what I do, my vocal chords.

To say I felt
helpless would be an understatement. To
say I wasn’t scared about the future, would be a lie. I was both. Helpless and scared. But in the
middle of my silence, I saw way too much irony for mere coincidence. There was a reason why I had jotted those
words “Something To Say” down in my journal. And it took having nothing to say for me to understand what this song,
and this record is really about. Before my surgery I was focused on what I had to
say to the world through my words and music.

But after the surgery, I can see the pathway of a fool. Being silent, allowed me the priceless
opportunity to be still, and let God do the talking. He spoke into my life and I heard him in a
more real, more tangible way than I ever had before. Now I get it. It’s not about what any of us have to say. It’s about what God and His love have to say
through us, and through all of our lives everyday.

Webisode #5

Add to My Profile | More Videos

POSTED BY:
Matthew West

5 comments

1. Brian Gloor commented:

Fri 11/1/08, 2:41 pm

This is by far one of my favorite webisodes yet. I have been going through a time where I am trying to sit still and liste to what God has to say into my life. Pull off into the Rest Stop of my busy highway of life and see God sitting there waiting for me. It is hard and to hear you say that at times you need to have everything stripped away and see that he is all that you need. That is the story of my life. I can not wait for the new release. My CD shipped today and can not wait to put it on.

2. Cirra commented:

Mon 14/1/08, 7:53 pm

I have been so blessed reading and watching your webisodes. I dont even know how I stumbled on your music a few weeks ago but your recent journey has been such an encouragement and confirmation to me of what is most important. I pray that many will be drawn to that place of rest and stillness in Him with the release of your new cd.

3. Lindsay commented:

Thu 17/1/08, 12:10 am

wow. I got your album in the mail on Monday and can’t tell you how many times it has spun in my player! I’m addicted. Especially to “The Motions”…
Let’s just say that I’ve spent the past five years working for a major artist management agency in the ‘ville… and let’s just say that the lead singer of the band I’ve worked for had to end his singing days due to losing his voice. Seeing you go through your struggles, ultimately triumphant and thoroughly changed, has been an amazing inspiration. Being in “the biz”, I’ve never really been one to put artists up on a pedestal… that is, unless they truly deserve a place of honor. You, my friend, do.
I remember seeing you play a small acoustic show a few years ago at a Brentwood [TN] church… loving what you were doing. Lately I’ve found myself falling back [even more] in love with your music and your ministry.
Thank you for everything that you do… especially for the things that no one ever gets to see. And thank you for everything that you allow Him to do [through you].
Be blessed.

4. Melissa commented:

Wed 13/2/08, 2:43 pm

Thanks for sharing this struggle. I take for granted singing in my small church worship group, but it is an honor I need to wake up to. I am unemployed after 9 years of working for the same company and have been down about that. But like you said, this is where God wants me. To be totally dependent on Him alone. And to face up to things like my dad’s heart attack…he could go anytime. That I have changes happening in my life that could take me moving across the USA to the opposite side.
But looking at all I need, God is at my side and I will be okay and alright with whatever comes.
“More” is honestly my favorite song. But after reading this, “You are Everything” is starting to grow on me.
God bless this special ministry you, your wife and your daughter provide us. Yes, I include them. They allow/support/provide the means for you to do this. Thank you. +

5. NewFan commented:

Mon 1/12/08, 7:09 pm

I usually do not listen to christian music. I’m not a christian. But recently I’ve been really reflecting on all the mistakes I’ve made in life. And there seems to be a ton. I started getting a depressed by this, and then I happened to hear the song “History”. It has made a real difference in me. I think it’s very powerful song and made me realize that everyone has baggage. I’m especially drawn to the part “You know you can’t stay right where you fell. The hardest part is forgiving yourself”. How true, I seem to be able to forgive anyone for ANYTHING, but I can’t forgive myself. What a great song. I have since bought all of your CDs. They are all incredible.
I just want you to know that you’re not only affecting “christians” with your music, it’s very encompassing not just for Christian life, but for LIFE itself. I’m a big fan of yours and hope you get to Austin soon. I will certainly come and see your show. Please just keep producing music and spreading your positive message and bringing hope to others not by making us feel sub-human like so many Christians do, but by making us all feel normal, that what we go through everyone encounters and that there are answers.
Thank you