Matthew and the Atlas’s song “Elijah” speaks to the soul, telling the story of a person named Elijah who seems to be struggling with finding their way in life, weighed down by unspoken burdens. The songwriter might be trying to reach out to Elijah, offering empathy and support and at the same time expressing a sense of helplessness in the face of Elijah’s struggle. It’s as if the songwriter knows the pain of being lost and is trying to communicate solidarity. But there’s more to this song than just a call out to the lost.
So, you’ve got the gist of “Elijah” by Matthew and the Atlas. But there’s a depth to this song that’s worth exploring, like peeling back the layers of an onion. It’s got that pull, the kind that sticks with you long after the last note fades. Want to see what’s under the surface?
“Elijah” Lyrics Meaning
“Broken by the back of it / It was hard enough without the loss,” the song begins with a sense of defeat, suggesting that Elijah has been carrying a heavy burden. The repetition of “it was hard enough” emphasizes the difficulty of the struggle even before an unspecified loss compounded it. This sets the tone for a story of perseverance against unseen hardships. The “thread of it” could symbolize a lifeline or hope that is fragile and almost snapping.
As the song unfolds, “Dancing to your lover’s beat / Beating on heavy feet,” it hints at Elijah’s attempt to keep up with life’s rhythm or the expectations of others, despite the weight of his own dreams and aspirations. There’s a sense that Elijah is trying hard to chase a dream that once felt right but now seems to carry its own burden.
Then comes the refrain, “Elijah, you’re too young to be lost.” It’s a poignant reminder of the potential and life ahead of Elijah, a call to not give up or become faded memories on life’s crucible. This could be a metaphor for life’s trials or a literal reference to fading away too soon.
“Wish you could have talked to me / Found another way to be,” reflects the narrator’s wish for connection, a chance to offer guidance or simply lend an ear. It’s a common human desire to help those we care about, yet often we don’t know how. There’s a palpable regret here, a feeling of what could have been if only communication had prevailed.
Finally, the song touches on hope and memory with “Wishbones hidden in the residue / Someday they’ll find you.” Even in the mess left behind by life’s struggles, there’s a hope that Elijah will be found, that the good within him will be remembered.
The Story Behind “Elijah”
With “Elijah,” it feels as though Matthew and the Atlas has tapped into a universal narrative—one of watching someone you care about lose their way. The song’s melancholic vibe suggests it comes from a place of personal connection, possibly witnessing someone close struggling with their inner demons or life’s pressures. There’s a sense of introspection in the song, a looking in from the outside, trying to understand another person’s journey and the role one can play in it. The narrative doesn’t just resonate with the lost; it speaks to anyone who’s ever cared for someone who is.
The line “The radio was playing all day / And I heard you singing” suggests a moment of reminiscence, where music triggers memories of Elijah. Music has the power to bridge gaps between people and time, allowing us to feel close to those who are far away, whether in distance or in spirit.
What “Elijah” does is paint a picture not just of struggle, but of the human connection that struggles to reach through the fog. It’s about the unsaid words, the shared songs, and the hidden wishbones of hope—a message that, despite everything, there’s a piece of good fortune out there that “won’t forget you.” The song might not provide clear answers, but it offers a solidarity that often speaks louder than solutions.