Matthew Ebel dot net » Christmas

Live via UStream, December 2010

Matthew Ebel — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:08:27 +0000

As 2010 winds down, so does the convention lineup. I’m working very hard on the new album, rehearsing with a drummer for live shows we’ll book in 2011, and trying to keep my subscribers as happy as possible. One thing they keep asking for is another UStream concert, so I’m only too happy to deliver!

Download audio file (Ebel-Live-UStream1012.mp3)
Matthew Ebel Live via UStream, December 2010 – 88.4 MB MP3
Download Now »

(Also available as individual tracks.) – 88.5 MB ZIP
Download Now »

The High Orbit Holiday Special

Matthew Ebel — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:30:11 +0000

Christmas is a time to get closer to the ones we love: friends, family, robots, and space sharks. For the spacefaring Captain Ebel, this Christmas is like any other day- struggling to keep his stomach and spaceship full of fuel. That is, until a 200-foot-long space shark named Mr. Bruce hires his crew to ship some goods from a distant planet. Everything seems to be going well until Captain Ebel discovers what’s inside the crates.

The High Orbit Holiday Special is a full episode of Matthew’s not-quite-dead-yet podcast, High Orbit, complete with 5 new recordings of classic Christmas favorites and brand new original music. Yes, even robot first officer Prodo-1 sings! All 5 songs are included as part of the show and as uninterrupted, talk-free singles.

Download audio file (HOHS.mp3)
The High Orbit Holiday Special – 68.7MB MP3
Download Now »

(Also available as individual tracks.) – 103.6 MB ZIP
Download Now »

Lyrics available at www.matthewebel.com/music

You’re All I Need

Matthew Ebel — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:00:14 +0000

If you recently read this post on Matthew’s blog, this is the song he was talking about. Here’s Matthew’s story behind “You’re All I Need”:

I got many suggestions from people that I should do another Christmas song, but one suggestion was that I write a blues number for all the people who are feeling the economic weight on their shoulders this year. Believe me, I can sympathize- I’m already broke most of the time, and the pressure to buy a bunch of stuff for everyone because it’s Christmas never, ever feels good. You either have to tell everyone you’re broke or everyone assumes you’re a cheap bastard.

While writing lyrics I imagined what it must be like for a single parent right now, having to explain to his little daughter that they can barely afford to keep the house they live in. Presents and toys will have to happen next year, hopefully.

When I got to the last verse of the song, I actually started crying. I honestly don’t know if I could say that kind of thing to my children, if I had any. I would just be glad that I had my family, that would be present enough for me. That would be all I’d need.

For me, this is just a song. What broke me down is that, for many people this year, it’s reality.

Download audio file (You%27re%20All%20I%20Need.mp3)
You’re All I Need – 5.4MB MP3
Download Now »

Lyrics:

You and me we’re all alone.
All around us is a storm,
but at least we’ve got our home
to keep us warm.
You know daddy will provide,
but still your love for me is free.
It’s Christmas
and you’re all I need

I would shower you with toys
if times were easier than now,
but this Christmas we’ll have joy.
We will somehow.
My little girl, you smile at me
and you know I must concede
this Christmas
you are all I need

I could sing a lullaby
’cause it’s all that I can spare.
When you’re sleeping I can cry
and you won’t hear.
I’ll just hold you in my arms
and thank the Lord that we believe
’cause it’s Christmas
and you’re all I need

Walk a Thousand Miles

Matthew Ebel — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:13:45 +0000

Since Matthew has lived so far from his family for the past six years, the Christmas season has been particularly hard on him. Every year it’s a choice between long, crowded flights or spending the holiday season alone.

Originally recorded live around Christmas 2004, Matthew has re-recorded a tune that captures his need to be with his family. Even if it takes a long, long time to get there.

Download audio file (Walk%20a%20Thousand%20Miles.mp3)
Lost on Block Island – 4.8MB MP3
Download Now »

Lyrics:

Red-eye flight come down to me,
I got somewhere else to be.
I’ll be leaving here at 3 AM
to see my family.

All my sweaters, they’ve been packed.
December cold won’t make me crack.
Once I get there I don’t know,
I don’t care how I’m coming back.

‘Cause I would walk a thousand miles.
I would walk a thousand miles
through the snow or rain or
winter storms to be back home
for Christmas.

I been gone to long to say,
but I’m coming anyway.
Any way I can to leave this town
and get back home today.

Let the snow fall through the air-
I got eight long hours to spare.
I’ll be waiting at the airport bar
for three, but I don’t care.

But this long flight don’t bother me,
Wise men and Shepherds came to see
a baby born this morning
miles away from their locality.
An angel singing clear,
“Halelujah!” Christ is coming here
with no plane, with no train,
just a will that’s still
determined to find me.
(You know He found me.)

So I would walk a thousand miles.
I would walk a thousand miles
through the snow or rain
or checkout lines or traffic jams…