Released in 2008, “Come On Get Higher” quickly became one of Matt Nathanson’s most beloved songs. This track from his album “Some Mad Hope” explores deep emotions and paints a vivid picture of longing and love. For those new to Nathanson’s work, his music often combines heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies, making his songs resonate on both an emotional and musical level. In this blog post, we’ll break down the meaning behind the lyrics of “Come On Get Higher,” offering insights into Nathanson’s emotional landscape and the universal themes of love, longing, and desire.
The Meaning of “Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson
“Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a deeply emotive anthem that resonates with the universal longing for connection and intimacy. Through its poetic lyrics and heartfelt melody, the song captures the euphoria and vulnerability of love. Nathanson’s evocative storytelling invites listeners to relive moments of passion and tenderness, making them yearn for the kind of closeness that transcends physical boundaries. It’s a reminder that love, in all its intensity, can elevate us to new heights and leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in
[Pre-Chorus]
If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what’s next
I’d make you believe
I’d make you forget
[Chorus]
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
[Verse 2]
I miss the sound of your voice
The loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet
Perfect words that you said
[Pre-Chorus]
If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what’s next
I’d make you believe
I’d make you forget
[Chorus]
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
[Verse 3]
I miss the pull of your heart
I taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
[Bridge]
Sing sha la la la
Sing sha la la la la
Ooh, ooh, ooh
[Chorus]
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love
[Outro]
(Come on, get higher, loosen my lips)
It’s all wrong, it’s all wrong (Faith and desire and the swing of your hips)
It’s all wrong, it’s so right
So come on, get higher
So come on and get higher
Cause everything works, love
Everything works in your arms
Verse 1: The Sound of Your Voice
“I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in”
In the opening lines, Nathanson sets the stage for the song’s central theme—longing for a loved one. The imagery of missing someone’s voice and the physical sensations of their presence immediately draws the listener into a world of intimacy and yearning. The quiet moments shared between two people, where even silence is significant, highlight the depth of the connection he describes.
The Power of Silence
The mention of silence in the verse is particularly poignant. Often, it’s the unspoken moments that carry the most weight in relationships. Nathanson’s use of silence as a powerful tool in this verse conveys a sense of shared understanding and closeness that words alone can’t capture.
Pre-Chorus 1: Walking on Water
“If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what’s next
I’d make you believe
I’d make you forget”
The pre-chorus introduces a sense of longing to overcome obstacles and uncertainties. The idea of walking on water is a metaphor for achieving the impossible. Nathanson expresses a desire to provide certainty and hope, to make his partner believe in the future and forget past troubles. This section highlights the wish to be a source of strength and reassurance.
The Metaphor of Walking on Water
Walking on water is a powerful image often associated with miracles and divine intervention. By using this metaphor, Nathanson elevates the sense of longing and desire to a near-spiritual level, suggesting that the depth of his feelings transcends ordinary experiences.
Chorus 1: Get Higher
“So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love”
The chorus is both a plea and an invitation. Nathanson calls for a deeper connection, urging his partner to “get higher” emotionally and physically. The combination of faith, desire, and physical attraction creates a potent mix of emotions. The request to be “drowned in love” signifies a desire to be completely enveloped by the relationship, to the point of losing oneself in it.
The Interplay of Faith and Desire
Faith and desire are two powerful forces that often drive relationships. Nathanson’s inclusion of both elements in the chorus suggests that true connection requires a balance of emotional and physical intimacy. This interplay adds depth to the song, making it resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.
Verse 2: Loudest Thing in My Head
“I miss the sound of your voice
The loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet
Perfect words that you said”
In the second verse, Nathanson reinforces the theme of missing his partner’s voice, describing it as the “loudest thing in [his] head.” This phrase captures the overwhelming nature of his memories. The juxtaposition of “violent, sweet, perfect words” highlights the complexity of the relationship, where moments of intensity and tenderness coexist.
The Impact of Memory
Memory plays a crucial role in shaping our emotions and experiences. Nathanson’s longing to remember specific words and moments underscores the lasting impact of his partner on his life. This verse invites listeners to reflect on their own memories and the ways they shape their feelings about love and relationships.
Pre-Chorus 2: Repeating the Longing
“If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what’s next
I’d make you believe
I’d make you forget”
The repetition of the pre-chorus serves to reinforce the central themes of longing and desire for reassurance. By echoing these lines, Nathanson emphasizes the persistence of his feelings and the ongoing nature of his emotional struggle.
The Power of Repetition
Repetition in music can create a sense of continuity and emphasis. By repeating the pre-chorus, Nathanson not only reinforces the song’s themes but also creates a feeling of unresolved tension, mirroring the emotional complexity of the lyrics.
Chorus 2: An Invitation to Love
“So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love”
The second chorus reiterates the central invitation of the song. The repeated lines create a sense of urgency and longing, emphasizing Nathanson’s desire for a deep connection. The imagery of being pulled down hard and drowned in love conveys a longing for overwhelming, all-consuming intimacy.
The Allure of Intensity
Intense emotions can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Nathanson’s portrayal of love as something that can drown and envelop highlights the dual nature of intense feelings. This depiction resonates with listeners who have experienced the highs and lows of passionate relationships.
Verse 3: The Pull of Your Heart
“I miss the pull of your heart
I taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on”
The third verse introduces new imagery, describing the “pull of [his partner’s] heart” and the sensory experience of “tasting sparks.” The mention of angels, devils, and God adds a spiritual dimension to the relationship, suggesting that his partner’s presence evokes a wide range of emotions and experiences.
Sensory Imagery in Relationships
By incorporating sensory imagery, Nathanson creates a vivid and immersive experience for listeners. The descriptions of taste and sight make the emotions in the song feel tangible and real, enhancing the overall impact of the lyrics.
Bridge: Sha La La
“Sing sha la la la
Sing sha la la la la
Ooh, ooh, ooh”
The bridge provides a brief respite from the intensity of the verses and choruses. The repetitive, almost chant-like “sha la la” creates a sense of release and freedom. This section allows listeners to momentarily escape the emotional weight of the song before returning to the powerful chorus.
The Role of the Bridge
In many songs, the bridge serves as a transitional element that offers contrast and variety. In “Come On Get Higher,” the bridge provides a moment of lightness and simplicity, allowing listeners to catch their breath before the final emotional surge.
Chorus 3: Drown Me in Love
“So come on, get higher
Loosen my lips
Faith and desire
And the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love”
The final chorus repeats the central theme of the song: being consumed by intense passion and emotion. The language becomes even more desperate and all-consuming, with phrases like “loosen my lips” and “drown me in love.” This repetition reinforces the idea that this relationship is all-encompassing and all-powerful.
Enduring Themes in Music
Many songs, including “Come On Get Higher,” explore themes of love, desire, and vulnerability. These timeless concepts resonate with listeners across generations because they tap into universal human experiences. Music has a unique ability to capture and express these emotions, making it a powerful medium for connection and understanding.
Conclusion
“Come On Get Higher” is a beautifully crafted song that takes listeners on an emotional journey. Through its use of vivid sensory imagery, strategic repetition, and powerful vocals, the song effectively conveys the intensity and depth of romantic desire. The bridge provides a necessary break from the raw emotion of the verses and choruses, while also adding contrast and variety to the overall structure of the song. Ultimately, “Come On Get Higher” is a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke strong emotions and connect us with our shared human experience. So next time you hear this song, let yourself be swept away by its captivating melody and thought-provoking lyrics. Who knows, maybe it will even inspire you to come on, get higher in your own life and relationships.