Meaning of "Elijah" by Matthew And The Atlas

The song "Elijah" by Matthew And The Atlas delves into the difficulties and hardships experienced by an individual named Elijah. The lyrics convey a sense of empathy and concern for this person who is evidently going through tough times. The opening lines, "Broken by the back of it, It was hard enough without the loss, Hanging on a thread of it, It was hard enough without the cause," indicate that Elijah is overwhelmed by adversity and burdened by an indeterminate loss. The use of imagery like "broken" and "hanging on a thread" emphasizes the weight of these struggles.

The chorus repeats the line "Elijah, you're too young to be lost" several times, highlighting the underlying theme of youth and the potential for a brighter future. The mention of not "fading out on the cross" suggests the idea of not succumbing to despair or giving up. The song is essentially an appeal to Elijah to find a way to communicate and seek support, as expressed in the line "Wish you could have talked to me, Found another way to be."

The verse "The radio was playing all day, When I heard you singing" reveals the narrator's encounter with Elijah's voice, possibly through a recording or performance. The use of delay effects and echoing imagery create a haunting and melancholic tone that reflects the emotional depth of the song. It also suggests that even in hardship, Elijah possesses a talent or passion for music ("living hard don't sound so good, It's hard to get out of the woods").

The closing lines convey a message of hope, with the mention of "Wishbones' hidden in the residue" implying potential for something positive to arise from the remnants of struggle. The final assurance that "Just a little piece of good for two, It won't forget you" suggests that despite the challenges, Elijah's actions and presence will have a lasting impact.

Ultimately, the lyrics of "Elijah" encourage resilience and emphasize the importance of reaching out for support during difficult times. It acknowledges the weight of Elijah's struggles while offering hope and a reminder that he is not alone in his journey towards overcoming adversity.