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.
A lighthearted tune inspired by recent economic events.
Matthew Ebel:
When I saw the Dow fall about 22 million points in one day, I had this image of bankers tossing themselves from their windows in New York. I imagined a song where a young man like me takes a stroll through the park, marveling at the beautiful leaves or raindrops that drift gracefully to the ground. Only instead of raindrops, it’s guys and girls with briefcases. I wonder what kind of umbrella you’d need for that kind of fallout…
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.
