The Meaning Behind The Song: Push by Matchbox Twenty

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Introduction

Music is a universal language that has been used over time to speak about different issues affecting humanity. The beauty of music is that it gives artists a platform to express their thoughts and emotions, which may be difficult to communicate in any other way. A great example of this is the song “Push”, by the American rock band, Matchbox Twenty. Released in 1997, Push is a song that speaks to the reality of toxic relationships and the pain that they bring. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the song “Push” by Matchbox Twenty and analyze its lyrics to try and understand its significance.

Table of Contents

Background

Matchbox Twenty is a band that was formed in 1995, in Orlando, Florida. The band comprises of five members, including Rob Thomas (the lead vocalist), Brian Yale (bassist), Paul Doucette (drummer), and Kyle Cook (the lead guitarist). Matchbox Twenty rose to fame in the late 90s with hits such as “Push”, “3 AM”, and “Real World” among others.

The Song Lyrics

The lyrics to “Push” are straightforward and give us a glimpse of the issues that the writer, Rob Thomas, is trying to communicate. The chorus to the song goes as follows:

“You’re so mean when you talk
About yourself, you were wrong
Change the voices in your head
Make them like you instead”

The above lyrics are a clear indication of the negative self-talk that happens when people are in a toxic relationship. The first line, “You’re so mean when you talk about yourself” is an indication of how people in toxic relationships often belittle themselves. Being in a negative and abusive relationship can cause individuals to feel that they are not worthy of love or respect, and that causes them to start talking down on themselves.

The second line, “You were wrong,” speaks of how the person in the relationship was manipulated into believing that they were wrong or unworthy of affection. In such a scenario, it is easy for the victim to start accepting the lies and negative comments, which causes them to lose touch with their true selves.

The final two lines of the chorus are a message of hope, telling the person that they need to change the voices in their head that speak negatively, and make them kinder towards themselves.

The verses of the song are equally powerful. They give more insight into the nature of the toxic relationship that the writer is trying to convey.

The first verse goes as follows:

“She said, I don’t know if I’ve ever been good enough
I’m a little bit rusty, and I think my head is caving in
And I don’t know if I’ve ever been really loved
By a hand that’s touched me and I feel like something’s gonna give”

The lyrics above are an indication of how people who are in a toxic relationship start to question their worthiness and feel that they are not good enough. They have been so heavily manipulated and coerced by their partners that they no longer trust their abilities or the love that they deserve. They feel as if they are falling apart, and no one is there to help them.

The second verse continues to show the turmoil that individuals face when in a toxic relationship. It goes as follows:

“I’m sick of feeling like I’m never enough
I’m tired of begging for the things that I want
I’m over sleeping like a dog on the floor
The thing I think I love will surely kill me in the end”

This verse highlights the dismal reality that people in toxic relationships face. Often, they are constantly begging for affirmation and love, but their partners refuse to give them what they need. The relationship becomes one-sided, and the individual starts to give up on their dreams and desires as they try to maintain the relationship.

The Song’s Significance

One significant aspect of “Push” is that it speaks to a significant issue that society faces. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with related impact. The reality of toxic relationships is all around us, and it is up to artists like Matchbox Twenty to use their platform to bring awareness to the issue.

Another significance of “Push” is that it gives individuals who are undergoing a toxic relationship the hope and encouragement that they need to leave the situation. The song is a message of strength and empowerment, telling the listener that they deserve better treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Matchbox Twenty’s “Push” is a song that speaks to the reality of toxic relationships and the pain that they bring. It is a powerful message of hope and encouragement to individuals who may be undergoing such a relationship. The song speaks to a significant issue in society and gives voice to the struggles that people often undergo in such relationships. The truth in this song remains relevant 24 years after its release and will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for those who need it.

ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jq2fnmWdmq6vtc2gZJudmJ67pXnToZxmq5%2BjtG681KyfZpqpYrqiwMKhmaiwXanEprrTsmY%3D