Discography
sixtwothreeoneseven
Music composed by Matt Nickel
sixtwothreeoneseven
Curiosity.
There’s something interesting about the unknown.
Something intriguing.
Our minds always desire to know.
When an idea is presented to our minds, but not fully explained.
There is—in that moment—born a desire to understand and to comprehend the mystery.
You, reader, are likely reading this because you are intrigued by the title of this song.
You have not had much to aid your investigation, save the title itself, the artwork, and the song.
You may wonder what inspired the song.
You may wonder what meaning the title has.
You may wonder what the song is saying, even in absence of lyrics.
It is similar to when one meets a new person.
All that is available is their title, which is their name,
And a picture of them in the mind.
Then the mind begins to wonder and wander.
There is listening, learning, and observing, all to know them.
...
Five numbers.
What could they mean?
Surely there is a logical order.
Some kind of meaning behind them.
There must exist a reason for their specific selection.
Right?
Maybe.
Or maybe not.
Maybe the title is meaningless and simply meant to intrigue.
That would certainly leave some minds in doubtful speculation.
There must be some meaning.
Of course, there is.
In fact, there are.
However, a single meaning will suffice to simultaneously satisfy and starve your curiosity.
And here is your dilemma.
You now know that there is, in fact, an unknown meaning to the song.
The knowledge of the unknown.
What a frustrating paradox!
What an intriguing circumstance!
Is it better to be unaware of that which can’t be known,
Or to be aware and left unanswered and unsatisfied?
…
The second meaning of the song has to do with music.
It requires a general understanding of music theory.
In a major scale, there are 8 tones that are played sequentially.
In the C major scale, those are C D E F G A B C.
The title contains the melodic pattern that is repeated throughout the song.
Curiosity.
All instruments were performed and produced by Matt Nickel
sixtwothreeoneseven
Curiosity.
There’s something interesting about the unknown.
Something intriguing.
Our minds always desire to know.
When an idea is presented to our minds, but not fully explained.
There is—in that moment—born a desire to understand and to comprehend the mystery.
You, reader, are likely reading this because you are intrigued by the title of this song.
You have not had much to aid your investigation, save the title itself, the artwork, and the song.
You may wonder what inspired the song.
You may wonder what meaning the title has.
You may wonder what the song is saying, even in absence of lyrics.
It is similar to when one meets a new person.
All that is available is their title, which is their name,
And a picture of them in the mind.
Then the mind begins to wonder and wander.
There is listening, learning, and observing, all to know them.
...
Five numbers.
What could they mean?
Surely there is a logical order.
Some kind of meaning behind them.
There must exist a reason for their specific selection.
Right?
Maybe.
Or maybe not.
Maybe the title is meaningless and simply meant to intrigue.
That would certainly leave some minds in doubtful speculation.
There must be some meaning.
Of course, there is.
In fact, there are.
However, a single meaning will suffice to simultaneously satisfy and starve your curiosity.
And here is your dilemma.
You now know that there is, in fact, an unknown meaning to the song.
The knowledge of the unknown.
What a frustrating paradox!
What an intriguing circumstance!
Is it better to be unaware of that which can’t be known,
Or to be aware and left unanswered and unsatisfied?
…
The second meaning of the song has to do with music.
It requires a general understanding of music theory.
In a major scale, there are 8 tones that are played sequentially.
In the C major scale, those are C D E F G A B C.
The title contains the melodic pattern that is repeated throughout the song.
Curiosity.
All instruments were performed and produced by Matt Nickel
Lyrics
The King
Words and Music by Matt Nickel, Emily Nickel, and Chloe Stell
Verse 1
A throne room that can't be described
With beauty that can't be defined
Yet all of the wonder falls shy
Compared to the glorious Light
Chorus 1
At the sound of Your name
Everyone bows
Onto their knees naturally to worship the King
A thunderous sound
With glory surrounds
The weight of Your presence, such a holy majesty
Verse 2*
A name we’re not worthy to speak
A face we’re not worthy to see
A love that we can’t understand
A God who would die for mere man
Verse 3
Have we become calloused of heart?
It seems we forgot who You are
Remind us of all that You've done
Bring us back to our First Love
Ending
Glorious, glorious
Is the King of kings
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano: Matt Nickel
Vocals: Emily Nickel
Bass, Drums, Strings: Mark Lagerquist
Produced and recorded by Mark Lagerquist at Straight Path Studios
*Note: I recently was challenged on this verse. I was asked if it's really truthful to claim that we are not worthy to speak God's name or to see His face. Revelation 22:4 says "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads." This one verse declares that they will both see His face and have His name written on their foreheads. I don't want to claim that I fully understand the book of Revelation, and neither did the person that pointed this out to me, but I think this verse and other places in scripture () are clear enough that Verse 2 of The King is erroneous. As sinners we surely were not worthy of being in the presence of God and seeing His face or praising His name, but surely as adopted, beloved, chosen sons and daughters of the King (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1-2, Colossians 3:12), we are not only permitted but encouraged to praise His name and anticipate the day when we will dwell in His presence forever!
Verse 1
A throne room that can't be described
With beauty that can't be defined
Yet all of the wonder falls shy
Compared to the glorious Light
Chorus 1
At the sound of Your name
Everyone bows
Onto their knees naturally to worship the King
A thunderous sound
With glory surrounds
The weight of Your presence, such a holy majesty
Verse 2*
A name we’re not worthy to speak
A face we’re not worthy to see
A love that we can’t understand
A God who would die for mere man
Verse 3
Have we become calloused of heart?
It seems we forgot who You are
Remind us of all that You've done
Bring us back to our First Love
Ending
Glorious, glorious
Is the King of kings
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano: Matt Nickel
Vocals: Emily Nickel
Bass, Drums, Strings: Mark Lagerquist
Produced and recorded by Mark Lagerquist at Straight Path Studios
*Note: I recently was challenged on this verse. I was asked if it's really truthful to claim that we are not worthy to speak God's name or to see His face. Revelation 22:4 says "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads." This one verse declares that they will both see His face and have His name written on their foreheads. I don't want to claim that I fully understand the book of Revelation, and neither did the person that pointed this out to me, but I think this verse and other places in scripture () are clear enough that Verse 2 of The King is erroneous. As sinners we surely were not worthy of being in the presence of God and seeing His face or praising His name, but surely as adopted, beloved, chosen sons and daughters of the King (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1-2, Colossians 3:12), we are not only permitted but encouraged to praise His name and anticipate the day when we will dwell in His presence forever!
Heart
Words by Amadeo Adi-Wauran
Music by Matt Nickel and Keith Rajkumar
Love is too much to let me go
When no light shines above the snow
Heart of lies paints a thousand skies
Cut all the ties 'til no one hears my cries
Day and night carried in a gleam
Another night, another nightmare
Another day, another daydream
Afraid to give You the keys to my heart
Though nothing can keep us apart
A shattered soul, cold and hard
What can mend my broken heart?
Can a poem or a song?
Or Your hand holding me strong?
Can a fading flower glisten?
Can I make my Maker listen?
Love is too much to let me go
When no light shines above the snow
Heart of lies paints a thousand skies
Cut all the ties 'til no one hears my cries
Day and night carried in a gleam
Another night, another nightmare
Another day, another daydream
Will You comfort me through the night?
Mend my heart and restore my light
A shattered will, a million tears
What can take away my fears?
Can a dead heart sing again?
Can a broken reed stand?
Will You raise me back to life?
Will You ignite my dying light?
My heart was lost and now it's found
By Your grace and mercy that abound
My heart was shattered, and now it's held
Close to Your very own heart
Acoustic Guitar: Matt Nickel Bass: Matthias Mostert Cajon: Oswin Rodrigues Piano: Brendan Greiner Saxophone: Jason Schmidt
Violin: Yunzhe Chen Vocals: Matt Nickel, Sabrina Yacoub
Music by Matt Nickel and Keith Rajkumar
Love is too much to let me go
When no light shines above the snow
Heart of lies paints a thousand skies
Cut all the ties 'til no one hears my cries
Day and night carried in a gleam
Another night, another nightmare
Another day, another daydream
Afraid to give You the keys to my heart
Though nothing can keep us apart
A shattered soul, cold and hard
What can mend my broken heart?
Can a poem or a song?
Or Your hand holding me strong?
Can a fading flower glisten?
Can I make my Maker listen?
Love is too much to let me go
When no light shines above the snow
Heart of lies paints a thousand skies
Cut all the ties 'til no one hears my cries
Day and night carried in a gleam
Another night, another nightmare
Another day, another daydream
Will You comfort me through the night?
Mend my heart and restore my light
A shattered will, a million tears
What can take away my fears?
Can a dead heart sing again?
Can a broken reed stand?
Will You raise me back to life?
Will You ignite my dying light?
My heart was lost and now it's found
By Your grace and mercy that abound
My heart was shattered, and now it's held
Close to Your very own heart
Acoustic Guitar: Matt Nickel Bass: Matthias Mostert Cajon: Oswin Rodrigues Piano: Brendan Greiner Saxophone: Jason Schmidt
Violin: Yunzhe Chen Vocals: Matt Nickel, Sabrina Yacoub
The Wave & The Undertow
|
The Wave & The Undertow
Words and Music by Matt Nickel & Trinity Hope
Verse 1
Death by drought, or death by drowning
The king was free before his crowning
If you're too far you freeze
If you're too close you burn
Verse 2
A tug of war between the tenses
The future calls me from the present
The pendulum pulls
The tides take their turns
Chorus 1
And I need you, but I need you to go
I'm caught between the wave and the undertow
And I need you, and I need you to know
I love you and that's why I'm letting go
Verse 3
Roses thrive in flower gardens
Take them home and death won't pardon
At the end of the day
The colours all fade
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano: Matt Nickel
Vocals: Trinity Hope
Second Acoustic Guitar: Pedro Pagan
Percussion: Brock Eckdahl
Verse 1
Death by drought, or death by drowning
The king was free before his crowning
If you're too far you freeze
If you're too close you burn
Verse 2
A tug of war between the tenses
The future calls me from the present
The pendulum pulls
The tides take their turns
Chorus 1
And I need you, but I need you to go
I'm caught between the wave and the undertow
And I need you, and I need you to know
I love you and that's why I'm letting go
Verse 3
Roses thrive in flower gardens
Take them home and death won't pardon
At the end of the day
The colours all fade
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano: Matt Nickel
Vocals: Trinity Hope
Second Acoustic Guitar: Pedro Pagan
Percussion: Brock Eckdahl
IDK
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
I’ve been thinking about the saying of the fallen trees
They were loud, made no sound, cause no one ever perceived
But philosophy is not the thing that’s getting to me
It’s the fact that I’ve been writing fallen tree symphonies
Verse 2
Here’s a little secret that I think you should know
I’ve never been able to correctly compose
A melody that takes you to the place that I go
When my heart says "yes" but my God says "no"
Chorus 1
Are my eyes open or closed?
I'm walking lightning lit roads
All I know is I don’t know
Verse 3
I don’t see the point in ever trying to explain
With this repetitive behaviour they might call me insane
So I’ll settle for your pity just to numb out my pain
But God forbid I make it just to suffer in vain
Verse 4
Honestly, there's gotta be a much better way
The harder I try the more I’m slipping away
Can we find a resolution with a little less pain?
Can You show me that I’m broken without making me break?
Chorus 2
Why is loving so hard?
Why do endings have to start?
Is every battle worth its scars?
Verse 5
Maybe people listen but does anyone hear?
The heart of a song cannot be heard in the ears
I’m writing in love and composing in tears
It’s my way of trying to make the memories clear
Verse 6
Something must have happened when I tried to look back
I thought we lived in colour but the pictures are black
Suddenly my memory has panic attacks
The hope that I was holding to is starting to lack
Chorus 3
Drop my head, turn around
All the smiles are upside down
Now I’m lost, I once was found
Verse 7
Maybe I’ve been suffocating under a lie
What if all the silence was a simple reply?
And I was not the only one who started to cry
When we looked at our roads and we said our goodbyes
Ending
Maybe all this wasn’t wrong?
Were You beside me all along?
Verse 1
I’ve been thinking about the saying of the fallen trees
They were loud, made no sound, cause no one ever perceived
But philosophy is not the thing that’s getting to me
It’s the fact that I’ve been writing fallen tree symphonies
Verse 2
Here’s a little secret that I think you should know
I’ve never been able to correctly compose
A melody that takes you to the place that I go
When my heart says "yes" but my God says "no"
Chorus 1
Are my eyes open or closed?
I'm walking lightning lit roads
All I know is I don’t know
Verse 3
I don’t see the point in ever trying to explain
With this repetitive behaviour they might call me insane
So I’ll settle for your pity just to numb out my pain
But God forbid I make it just to suffer in vain
Verse 4
Honestly, there's gotta be a much better way
The harder I try the more I’m slipping away
Can we find a resolution with a little less pain?
Can You show me that I’m broken without making me break?
Chorus 2
Why is loving so hard?
Why do endings have to start?
Is every battle worth its scars?
Verse 5
Maybe people listen but does anyone hear?
The heart of a song cannot be heard in the ears
I’m writing in love and composing in tears
It’s my way of trying to make the memories clear
Verse 6
Something must have happened when I tried to look back
I thought we lived in colour but the pictures are black
Suddenly my memory has panic attacks
The hope that I was holding to is starting to lack
Chorus 3
Drop my head, turn around
All the smiles are upside down
Now I’m lost, I once was found
Verse 7
Maybe I’ve been suffocating under a lie
What if all the silence was a simple reply?
And I was not the only one who started to cry
When we looked at our roads and we said our goodbyes
Ending
Maybe all this wasn’t wrong?
Were You beside me all along?
Civil War
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Father take this cup
Won’t You take it from my hands?
Unless it be Your will
Then lead me safe into Your plans
Verse 2
Father take this man
Just a broken, weary soul
And give me faith to say
“My God is in control"
Chorus
I’m fighting my reflection
A one-man civil war
The never-ending tension
Like a wave against the shore
What are my intentions?
I don’t know anymore
But I can’t win this civil war
Verse 3
Now sing a song of hope
That You hear my every prayer
Set my eyes on Christ
If this cross is mine to bear
Verse 4
Every earthly gain
Every lust and charming lure
Jesus be my all in all
Keep my mind and motives pure
Ending
Father take from me
Any worldly comfort known
Lest I place my trust
In any name besides Your own
Verse 1
Father take this cup
Won’t You take it from my hands?
Unless it be Your will
Then lead me safe into Your plans
Verse 2
Father take this man
Just a broken, weary soul
And give me faith to say
“My God is in control"
Chorus
I’m fighting my reflection
A one-man civil war
The never-ending tension
Like a wave against the shore
What are my intentions?
I don’t know anymore
But I can’t win this civil war
Verse 3
Now sing a song of hope
That You hear my every prayer
Set my eyes on Christ
If this cross is mine to bear
Verse 4
Every earthly gain
Every lust and charming lure
Jesus be my all in all
Keep my mind and motives pure
Ending
Father take from me
Any worldly comfort known
Lest I place my trust
In any name besides Your own
Lord, I Don't Know
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
O Lord, I don't know
This doesn't look like a road
But You’ve asked me to go
And who am I to say no?
Verse 2
Lord, I've reached my end
But when I can't, I know You can
So if this is Your way
Give me strength for today
Chorus
You are a good, good God
You are a good, good God
Faithful in the past, faithful 'til the last day
You are faithful God
Verse 3
I remember that day
When to You I did pray
Take me from what I know
'Cause I want more of You Lord
Verse 1
O Lord, I don't know
This doesn't look like a road
But You’ve asked me to go
And who am I to say no?
Verse 2
Lord, I've reached my end
But when I can't, I know You can
So if this is Your way
Give me strength for today
Chorus
You are a good, good God
You are a good, good God
Faithful in the past, faithful 'til the last day
You are faithful God
Verse 3
I remember that day
When to You I did pray
Take me from what I know
'Cause I want more of You Lord
Apricity
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Every day I go
Looking for light
Another chance comes close
To give up the fight
Another longer night
The world's getting cold
Did I hear You right
Or did I take the wrong road?
Chorus
O felicity
You're not listening
I’m a broken man
If this apricity
Is all you're giving me
I don’t think I’ll stand
Verse 2
You know I don't know
So show me the way
But don't let me go
If You're going to stay
Come and take my hand
I can't be alone
What's a promised land
If I'm here on my own?
Verse 1
Every day I go
Looking for light
Another chance comes close
To give up the fight
Another longer night
The world's getting cold
Did I hear You right
Or did I take the wrong road?
Chorus
O felicity
You're not listening
I’m a broken man
If this apricity
Is all you're giving me
I don’t think I’ll stand
Verse 2
You know I don't know
So show me the way
But don't let me go
If You're going to stay
Come and take my hand
I can't be alone
What's a promised land
If I'm here on my own?
Equinox
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Why weren't You there when I asked?
The moment I needed You passed
But somehow we're here looking back
Maybe my watch was just fast
Verse 2
A hint of a warm winter wind
The touch of the sun on my skin
Did I hear a songbird sing?
Could this be the first sign of spring?
Verse 3
Patience requires a wait
You need the unknown to build faith
Love is to give, not to take
You broke me so I wouldn't break
Verse 4
You taught me to walk without sight
That value is earned in the fight
Learning to live in the light
'Cause love isn't learned overnight
Verse 5
Why did this have to be hard?
I guess all the best things are
The ending is only the start
You are the cry of my heart
Verse 1
Why weren't You there when I asked?
The moment I needed You passed
But somehow we're here looking back
Maybe my watch was just fast
Verse 2
A hint of a warm winter wind
The touch of the sun on my skin
Did I hear a songbird sing?
Could this be the first sign of spring?
Verse 3
Patience requires a wait
You need the unknown to build faith
Love is to give, not to take
You broke me so I wouldn't break
Verse 4
You taught me to walk without sight
That value is earned in the fight
Learning to live in the light
'Cause love isn't learned overnight
Verse 5
Why did this have to be hard?
I guess all the best things are
The ending is only the start
You are the cry of my heart
All tracks written and performed by Matt Nickel.
Percussion on Equinox performed by Ryan McTavish.
Percussion on Equinox performed by Ryan McTavish.
You Help Me
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse
Your strength’s beyond compare, I’m humbled that You care
A Father’s love for a child so restless
This is our God, died for our cause
But You rose victorious
Chorus
You, You help me in my trials
Your faithfulness beckons me to be reconciled
And I, I’m awestruck by Your patience
And Your love never ever ends
Verse
Your strength’s beyond compare, I’m humbled that You care
A Father’s love for a child so restless
This is our God, died for our cause
But You rose victorious
Chorus
You, You help me in my trials
Your faithfulness beckons me to be reconciled
And I, I’m awestruck by Your patience
And Your love never ever ends
Lament
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Woe to my soul
I have to ask what I stole?
My days are numbered on His scroll
My two halves won’t make me whole
Verse 2
I bow my head to my phone
I’m prey of Facebook when I’m alone
Letting Netflix gnaw on my bones
Laughing off sin, complacently condone
Chorus
My eyes adjusted to the dark
Compared to some I hit the mark
Here’s the cry of my heart:
Where do all my treasures lie?
I want to live before I die
Without Your breath I can’t even cry
Yet You are holy
Verse 3
Where are the men marked by prayer?
Do five minute devos show that I care?
Late night watching porn
Now I can barely stay awake when the pastor shares
But the people love a smile
So the shame carves just the inside bare
Verse 1
Woe to my soul
I have to ask what I stole?
My days are numbered on His scroll
My two halves won’t make me whole
Verse 2
I bow my head to my phone
I’m prey of Facebook when I’m alone
Letting Netflix gnaw on my bones
Laughing off sin, complacently condone
Chorus
My eyes adjusted to the dark
Compared to some I hit the mark
Here’s the cry of my heart:
Where do all my treasures lie?
I want to live before I die
Without Your breath I can’t even cry
Yet You are holy
Verse 3
Where are the men marked by prayer?
Do five minute devos show that I care?
Late night watching porn
Now I can barely stay awake when the pastor shares
But the people love a smile
So the shame carves just the inside bare
Psalm 139
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
I can't count the stars that I can see
Or half a hand of sand on a single beach
And if I were to count,
Time would first run out
How precious are Your thoughts to me
Verse 2
You know me completely O Lord
You hem me in behind and before
For treasures these, I strain
Too lofty to attain
How precious are Your thoughts to me
Chorus
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven
You are there, You are there
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I make my bed down in Sheol
You are there, You are there
Verse 1
I can't count the stars that I can see
Or half a hand of sand on a single beach
And if I were to count,
Time would first run out
How precious are Your thoughts to me
Verse 2
You know me completely O Lord
You hem me in behind and before
For treasures these, I strain
Too lofty to attain
How precious are Your thoughts to me
Chorus
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven
You are there, You are there
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I make my bed down in Sheol
You are there, You are there
How Precious Our Saviour
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Born in humility, the least of the least
Purest divinity, birthed among beasts
A forfeit of privilege, my Servant, the King
A sacred forgiveness, the final offering
Pre Chorus
Who would have thought
That He would choose to redeem what was lost?
Well He’s God and I’m not
And His love is better than life
Chorus
How precious our Saviour!
How humble His love
How gracious our Father to count Him enough
You are worthy of eternal praise
How great is Your mercy
How patient and pure
Your lovingkindness forever endures
Don’t let Your deeds depart my mind all my days
Verse 2
Filled with compassion and power to heal
Held not His privilege a hindrance to kneel
Silent to slaughter, He bore my betrayal
A perfect atonement, my Saviour prevails
Verse 1
Born in humility, the least of the least
Purest divinity, birthed among beasts
A forfeit of privilege, my Servant, the King
A sacred forgiveness, the final offering
Pre Chorus
Who would have thought
That He would choose to redeem what was lost?
Well He’s God and I’m not
And His love is better than life
Chorus
How precious our Saviour!
How humble His love
How gracious our Father to count Him enough
You are worthy of eternal praise
How great is Your mercy
How patient and pure
Your lovingkindness forever endures
Don’t let Your deeds depart my mind all my days
Verse 2
Filled with compassion and power to heal
Held not His privilege a hindrance to kneel
Silent to slaughter, He bore my betrayal
A perfect atonement, my Saviour prevails
Just Be
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
God is our refuge and strength
Ever present in times of trouble
Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change
Though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea
Pre Chorus
Though the waters roar and foam
Father God, You are my hope
Chorus
Cease striving and know He is God
O’er our transgressions He has trod
You’re my all, You’re in me,
You’re my everything
So Father help me just be
Verse 2
I lift my eyes up to the hills
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of all
My Keeper will never slumber, He won’t let me fall
Pre Chorus 2
Faithless I am bound to be
But righteousness is Christ in me
Verse 1
God is our refuge and strength
Ever present in times of trouble
Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change
Though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea
Pre Chorus
Though the waters roar and foam
Father God, You are my hope
Chorus
Cease striving and know He is God
O’er our transgressions He has trod
You’re my all, You’re in me,
You’re my everything
So Father help me just be
Verse 2
I lift my eyes up to the hills
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of all
My Keeper will never slumber, He won’t let me fall
Pre Chorus 2
Faithless I am bound to be
But righteousness is Christ in me
Shepherd
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Though I’m tempted and I’m tried
You are faithful to provide
Though the enemy attacks,
Having Christ, what do I lack?
Pre Chorus
With fleeting pleasures the world will taunt
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want
In feast or famine teach me to say
This is the day that the Lord has made
Chorus
You are my Shepherd
My shield and my shelter
I know my help comes from the Lord
You are my refuge
You come to my rescue
I’ll praise Your name forevermore
Verse 1
Though I’m tempted and I’m tried
You are faithful to provide
Though the enemy attacks,
Having Christ, what do I lack?
Pre Chorus
With fleeting pleasures the world will taunt
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want
In feast or famine teach me to say
This is the day that the Lord has made
Chorus
You are my Shepherd
My shield and my shelter
I know my help comes from the Lord
You are my refuge
You come to my rescue
I’ll praise Your name forevermore
This Hope
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Chorus
You saw what I was doing
My plans turned to ruins
How patient is Your love!
Now Christ is the cornerstone
That's all I need to know
Nothing can stop this hope!
Verse
Joy this rich surpasses all my trials
Temporary pain won't steal my smile
Love so great that He should call me child
Ending
You are the reason my hope has no season
I cannot thank You enough
My God is good and nothing ever could
Separate me from Your love!
Chorus
You saw what I was doing
My plans turned to ruins
How patient is Your love!
Now Christ is the cornerstone
That's all I need to know
Nothing can stop this hope!
Verse
Joy this rich surpasses all my trials
Temporary pain won't steal my smile
Love so great that He should call me child
Ending
You are the reason my hope has no season
I cannot thank You enough
My God is good and nothing ever could
Separate me from Your love!
What Peace I Find
Words by Matt Nickel
Music by Charitie Lees Smith
Verse 1
What peace I find in knowing this
I cannot change Your faithfulness
Though worries tear my heart away
You offer mercy still today
You offer mercy still today
Verse 2
What peace I find in treasured words
That not a prayer will go unheard
My anxious thought, my troubled soul
Grant me Thy peace to know the whole
Grant me Thy peace to know the whole
Verse 3
What peace I find in troubled days
When sin’s attraction tempts my gaze
Still my high priest can sympathize
And on His goodness fix my eyes
And on His goodness fix my eyes
Verse 4
What peace I find in Jesus Christ
My humble Shepherd sacrificed
The payment I could not afford
Was paid in full by Christ my Lord
Was paid in full by Christ my Lord
Music by Charitie Lees Smith
Verse 1
What peace I find in knowing this
I cannot change Your faithfulness
Though worries tear my heart away
You offer mercy still today
You offer mercy still today
Verse 2
What peace I find in treasured words
That not a prayer will go unheard
My anxious thought, my troubled soul
Grant me Thy peace to know the whole
Grant me Thy peace to know the whole
Verse 3
What peace I find in troubled days
When sin’s attraction tempts my gaze
Still my high priest can sympathize
And on His goodness fix my eyes
And on His goodness fix my eyes
Verse 4
What peace I find in Jesus Christ
My humble Shepherd sacrificed
The payment I could not afford
Was paid in full by Christ my Lord
Was paid in full by Christ my Lord
Salmo 139
Words and Music by Matt Nickel, Pedro Pagan
Verso 1
Las estrellas no puedo contar
Ni si quiera la arena del mar
Si llego a empezar
El tiempo no dará
Cuán preciosos me son tus pensamientos
Verso 2
Tú conoces todo mi interior
Me proteges todo alrededor
Tesoros que me des
No llegaré a entender
Cuán preciosos me son tus pensamientos
Coro
Adónde podría alejarme
De tu Espíritu Santo?
Si yo subiera a los cielos
Estás allí, estás allí
Adónde podría alejarme
De tu presencia escaparme
Si descendiera al abismo
Estás allí, estás allí
Verso 1
Las estrellas no puedo contar
Ni si quiera la arena del mar
Si llego a empezar
El tiempo no dará
Cuán preciosos me son tus pensamientos
Verso 2
Tú conoces todo mi interior
Me proteges todo alrededor
Tesoros que me des
No llegaré a entender
Cuán preciosos me son tus pensamientos
Coro
Adónde podría alejarme
De tu Espíritu Santo?
Si yo subiera a los cielos
Estás allí, estás allí
Adónde podría alejarme
De tu presencia escaparme
Si descendiera al abismo
Estás allí, estás allí
All tracks written and performed by Matt Nickel.
Ghost Town
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Somebody broke his trust
It shattered and now there's no more "us"
His love is collecting dust
He's watching his heart succumb to rust
Chorus
And he feels so alone
And he feels so alone
Like a boy in a ghost town
He's watching his hope drown helplessly
But he's on his own now
Stopped letting the rope down from the tree
Verse 2
In vain he tries to find
More than the vestige left behind
The past controls his mind
The conversations on rewind
Verse 3
It took him by surprise
The way redemption met his eyes
He came to realize
The sun did not refuse to rise
After lonely nights
Chorus 2
And he's never alone
And he's never alone
Like a boy in his hometown
He's wearing his old crown once again
When he let the rope down
He saw there was no frown on the face of his friends
Verse 1
Somebody broke his trust
It shattered and now there's no more "us"
His love is collecting dust
He's watching his heart succumb to rust
Chorus
And he feels so alone
And he feels so alone
Like a boy in a ghost town
He's watching his hope drown helplessly
But he's on his own now
Stopped letting the rope down from the tree
Verse 2
In vain he tries to find
More than the vestige left behind
The past controls his mind
The conversations on rewind
Verse 3
It took him by surprise
The way redemption met his eyes
He came to realize
The sun did not refuse to rise
After lonely nights
Chorus 2
And he's never alone
And he's never alone
Like a boy in his hometown
He's wearing his old crown once again
When he let the rope down
He saw there was no frown on the face of his friends
Cardiac Arrest
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
They say it's butterflies inside this heart of mine
Making me feel like I'm losing my mind
I can't help but think otherwise
That this heart is no longer mine
A prisoner locked inside her sapphire eyes
Chorus
Cardiac arrest
Grand Canyon in my chest
You're holding the key
You don't even see it's killing me
Cardiac arrest
Verse 2
They say it's an open door
A love that's worth dying for
I've tried but I can't ignore the pain anymore
I'm thinking more and more about how to reset the score
To replace the heart you stole
I'll try to steal yours
Verse 1
They say it's butterflies inside this heart of mine
Making me feel like I'm losing my mind
I can't help but think otherwise
That this heart is no longer mine
A prisoner locked inside her sapphire eyes
Chorus
Cardiac arrest
Grand Canyon in my chest
You're holding the key
You don't even see it's killing me
Cardiac arrest
Verse 2
They say it's an open door
A love that's worth dying for
I've tried but I can't ignore the pain anymore
I'm thinking more and more about how to reset the score
To replace the heart you stole
I'll try to steal yours
Red Eyes
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Under the stars I tried to write a song that could steal your heart
Connecting the dots
I drew a constellation from a hundred thoughts
I finally realize
We've said our last goodbyes, but when I close my eyes
Chorus
I still see your tail lights
Like a couple of red eyes
Pulling you further into the night
I see your face in the window
Driving away like it's slow mo
My heart was a stow away with no way back home
Verse 2
Under the stars
I tried to write a song that could heal my heart
Dream for a while, it had been a month and I missed your smile
I've come to see, we're not where I thought we'd be
Chorus 2
I still see your tail lights
Like a couple of red eyes
Pulling you further into the night
I see your face in the window
Lit by the light of a lamp post
My heart was a stow away with no way back home
Ending
Under the stars, I'll write a song about a brand new start
Verse 1
Under the stars I tried to write a song that could steal your heart
Connecting the dots
I drew a constellation from a hundred thoughts
I finally realize
We've said our last goodbyes, but when I close my eyes
Chorus
I still see your tail lights
Like a couple of red eyes
Pulling you further into the night
I see your face in the window
Driving away like it's slow mo
My heart was a stow away with no way back home
Verse 2
Under the stars
I tried to write a song that could heal my heart
Dream for a while, it had been a month and I missed your smile
I've come to see, we're not where I thought we'd be
Chorus 2
I still see your tail lights
Like a couple of red eyes
Pulling you further into the night
I see your face in the window
Lit by the light of a lamp post
My heart was a stow away with no way back home
Ending
Under the stars, I'll write a song about a brand new start
Burdens (Psalm 68)
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Problems like the sun
No where a man can run
I don't see a way where something doesn't break
There's pain if I leave or I stay
Verse 2
The truth will hurt to hear
But lies only postpone your tears
I don't see an end without a heart to mend
To follow may cost me my friends
Chorus
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Who daily bears our burdens
Who daily bears our burdens
Who daily bears our burdens
Verse 1
Problems like the sun
No where a man can run
I don't see a way where something doesn't break
There's pain if I leave or I stay
Verse 2
The truth will hurt to hear
But lies only postpone your tears
I don't see an end without a heart to mend
To follow may cost me my friends
Chorus
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Blessed be the Lord
Who daily bears our burdens
Who daily bears our burdens
Who daily bears our burdens
Asterisk
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Some rules are not made to be broken
Innocence only has one dance
We knew all the guidelines we’d spoken
But didn’t want to lose our only chance
PreChorus
So we wrote and asterisk into our set of rules
Proverbs warns of the compromise of fools
Chorus
Now I know Your love has washed and made me clean
And I know Your winter kills but brings new green every spring
So let this asterisk scar on my heart
Keep me on my guard, keep me on my guard
So let this asterisk scar on my heart
Keep me on my guard, keep me on my guard
Verse 2
Wrong side of the boundary line
All the greener grass I’m standing in is brown
Fences that we tried to redefine
But my acts of impatience brought them down
Bridge
Incomplete love only voices everything
Evidence released is kindness acting
Verse 1
Some rules are not made to be broken
Innocence only has one dance
We knew all the guidelines we’d spoken
But didn’t want to lose our only chance
PreChorus
So we wrote and asterisk into our set of rules
Proverbs warns of the compromise of fools
Chorus
Now I know Your love has washed and made me clean
And I know Your winter kills but brings new green every spring
So let this asterisk scar on my heart
Keep me on my guard, keep me on my guard
So let this asterisk scar on my heart
Keep me on my guard, keep me on my guard
Verse 2
Wrong side of the boundary line
All the greener grass I’m standing in is brown
Fences that we tried to redefine
But my acts of impatience brought them down
Bridge
Incomplete love only voices everything
Evidence released is kindness acting
Waiting Room
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
The vacancy is quickly fading
Will I lose her now if I stay latent?
But patience brings the sweetest cadence
I know I need some time to learn
But will you be here when I return?
If I step away will our chances burn?
Chorus
I need a little more time to make sure
I can follow through and my heart is pure
Can't bear to make the mistake twice
Your heart for my pleasure, a sacrifice
Love is patient, love is kind
Proving patience takes some time
It's hard to leave my spot in line
But if that's what it costs me to love
I'll take this waiting room for one
Verse 2
I listen now to what they say
"You've only got one life, don't waste today
Go ahead, she's yours to take"
But the One who crafted her and I
Wants to show my caterpillar eyes
That wings will come in proper time
Verse 1
The vacancy is quickly fading
Will I lose her now if I stay latent?
But patience brings the sweetest cadence
I know I need some time to learn
But will you be here when I return?
If I step away will our chances burn?
Chorus
I need a little more time to make sure
I can follow through and my heart is pure
Can't bear to make the mistake twice
Your heart for my pleasure, a sacrifice
Love is patient, love is kind
Proving patience takes some time
It's hard to leave my spot in line
But if that's what it costs me to love
I'll take this waiting room for one
Verse 2
I listen now to what they say
"You've only got one life, don't waste today
Go ahead, she's yours to take"
But the One who crafted her and I
Wants to show my caterpillar eyes
That wings will come in proper time
All tracks written and performed by Matt Nickel.
Roads - EPReleased September 24th, 2016
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Epilogue (Mexico)
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Goodnight dear lover
Goodnight dear son
Goodnight dear daughter
Goodnight everyone
Tomorrow I'm leaving
Tomorrow I'm gone
Tomorrow you're grieving
But then please move on
PreChorus
And I know the night looks long
But promise me that's not your song
Chorus
And I hope you rest in peace
I hope you rest in peace
I hope you rest in peace
Knowing I'm free
Verse 2
Autumn is burning
The trees are on fire
Winter's returning
Just to retire
The flowers take cover
The dew turns to frost
You'll soon discover that hope's far from lost
PreChorus
And I know the cold feels strong
But promise me that's not your song
Bridge
And I know the night looks long
And I know the cold feels strong
But promise me that's not your song
Verse 1
Goodnight dear lover
Goodnight dear son
Goodnight dear daughter
Goodnight everyone
Tomorrow I'm leaving
Tomorrow I'm gone
Tomorrow you're grieving
But then please move on
PreChorus
And I know the night looks long
But promise me that's not your song
Chorus
And I hope you rest in peace
I hope you rest in peace
I hope you rest in peace
Knowing I'm free
Verse 2
Autumn is burning
The trees are on fire
Winter's returning
Just to retire
The flowers take cover
The dew turns to frost
You'll soon discover that hope's far from lost
PreChorus
And I know the cold feels strong
But promise me that's not your song
Bridge
And I know the night looks long
And I know the cold feels strong
But promise me that's not your song
Keyhole (Costa Rica)
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
A red eye flight to Houston from LA
A circuit board city out the window of my plane
I saw both sides of a cloud tonight
The trees make the streetlights blink like stars
Chorus
And You take my, You take my breath away
I'm searching the world for the words to convey
This keyhole to the universe You made
Verse 2
A million greens, a mosaic made of trees
Split by ravines, like the veins of the leaves
I saw Your world from the clouds tonight
Heaven keeps on hinting at who You are
Bridge
From cells to stars
From here to Mars
We've all been signed by You
From wind to light
From oceans to sight
We've all been signed by You
Verse 1
A red eye flight to Houston from LA
A circuit board city out the window of my plane
I saw both sides of a cloud tonight
The trees make the streetlights blink like stars
Chorus
And You take my, You take my breath away
I'm searching the world for the words to convey
This keyhole to the universe You made
Verse 2
A million greens, a mosaic made of trees
Split by ravines, like the veins of the leaves
I saw Your world from the clouds tonight
Heaven keeps on hinting at who You are
Bridge
From cells to stars
From here to Mars
We've all been signed by You
From wind to light
From oceans to sight
We've all been signed by You
Innocence (Panama)
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
2 am the rooftop is my floor
The streetlight and the stars are out at war
I turn my head three hundred sixty times
My mind and memory can't recall a rhyme
Some up ahead, some 25 below
We're all writing our stories as we go
So turn your page and fill in all your blanks
A Mad-Libs with a limited word bank
Chorus
And all I know
It's not my home
My heart refused to roam
But something stirred
The newborn bird
An urge to see the world
Verse 2
Innocence, like fireworks, flies once
You take your shot then hide behind your guns
Now far from home you wish you could go back
But truth be told that window view did lack
The view from home is something to behold
But 18 years makes many things look old
I traded innocence for lessons learned
Like love will cost and is anything but earned
Bridge
And all I know
Is what I broke
Can't be fixed alone
I know I've learned
From the bridge I burned
Maybe we could return?
Verse 1
2 am the rooftop is my floor
The streetlight and the stars are out at war
I turn my head three hundred sixty times
My mind and memory can't recall a rhyme
Some up ahead, some 25 below
We're all writing our stories as we go
So turn your page and fill in all your blanks
A Mad-Libs with a limited word bank
Chorus
And all I know
It's not my home
My heart refused to roam
But something stirred
The newborn bird
An urge to see the world
Verse 2
Innocence, like fireworks, flies once
You take your shot then hide behind your guns
Now far from home you wish you could go back
But truth be told that window view did lack
The view from home is something to behold
But 18 years makes many things look old
I traded innocence for lessons learned
Like love will cost and is anything but earned
Bridge
And all I know
Is what I broke
Can't be fixed alone
I know I've learned
From the bridge I burned
Maybe we could return?
Roads (San Diego)
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Roads can't take you anywhere you want to go
Your eyes will only meet the sights that people know
So you pause, you've got a moment to choose
Counted the cost; there's not a moment to lose
Verse 2
And there's fear saying you're not fit to follow through
But you steer towards the shoreline that's calling you
And you find there are fewer footprints here
Look behind at what you left in the rearview mirror
Chorus
Wind would you tell me about your freedom
Is this all that I've been missing?
Then would you tell me when I can see them
The fault lines in reminiscing
Verse 3
So you're caught between adventure and security
And you thought you could float in the obscurity
So you lie and tell yourself you're alright
And you try to pick and choose all your fights
Verse 4
But surprise there is some inevitability
Your disguise won't make up for inability
You require someone Who's stronger than you
Someone higher, someone Who knows what to do, and He'll show you
Bridge
Roads try to lead you home
But only one is going to bring you to the throne
Verse 1
Roads can't take you anywhere you want to go
Your eyes will only meet the sights that people know
So you pause, you've got a moment to choose
Counted the cost; there's not a moment to lose
Verse 2
And there's fear saying you're not fit to follow through
But you steer towards the shoreline that's calling you
And you find there are fewer footprints here
Look behind at what you left in the rearview mirror
Chorus
Wind would you tell me about your freedom
Is this all that I've been missing?
Then would you tell me when I can see them
The fault lines in reminiscing
Verse 3
So you're caught between adventure and security
And you thought you could float in the obscurity
So you lie and tell yourself you're alright
And you try to pick and choose all your fights
Verse 4
But surprise there is some inevitability
Your disguise won't make up for inability
You require someone Who's stronger than you
Someone higher, someone Who knows what to do, and He'll show you
Bridge
Roads try to lead you home
But only one is going to bring you to the throne
Ache (Guatemala)
Words and Music by Matt Nickel
Verse 1
Time has a way of turning dreams into memories
Time has a way of turning plans into Polaroids
So we trade our paychecks for hours on a cottage deck
And it's all and more than we expect
But it still only lasts for a week
Chorus
And I still have this ache
I still have this longing
I want to live in a place
A place of belonging
I was given a taste, now it's more like a haunting
I wanna live in a place with no more wanting
But for now hope can't see, we wait eagerly
Verse 2
I've tasted what they call freedom, "do whatever you feel
Live for the moment, that's the only way to be satisfied for real"
Well I've searched far and wide running out of moments to try
Just when another one catches my eye
But when it's over I still feel the same
Ending
I'm dying to get to heaven
Yeah there ain't such thing as an unintended pun
But to be serious I'm looking forward to Your presence
To spend eternity, with the One I need more than anything
Yeah that's heaven, oh that's heaven to me.
Verse 1
Time has a way of turning dreams into memories
Time has a way of turning plans into Polaroids
So we trade our paychecks for hours on a cottage deck
And it's all and more than we expect
But it still only lasts for a week
Chorus
And I still have this ache
I still have this longing
I want to live in a place
A place of belonging
I was given a taste, now it's more like a haunting
I wanna live in a place with no more wanting
But for now hope can't see, we wait eagerly
Verse 2
I've tasted what they call freedom, "do whatever you feel
Live for the moment, that's the only way to be satisfied for real"
Well I've searched far and wide running out of moments to try
Just when another one catches my eye
But when it's over I still feel the same
Ending
I'm dying to get to heaven
Yeah there ain't such thing as an unintended pun
But to be serious I'm looking forward to Your presence
To spend eternity, with the One I need more than anything
Yeah that's heaven, oh that's heaven to me.
All tracks written and performed by Matt Nickel.
IDK - EP
Release Party