Matt Andersen - Broken Man

Live @ Voetbal International 18/11/2013
© RTL Nederland ©

[davidholtsclaw]

Mr Anderson, I lost my only son at the tender age of 23 from an accidental D.O. Benjamin was a guitarist and a bassist. Obviously my son was a broken man who was suffering badly with his addiction illness. This Christmas 🎄 will mark the sixth anniversary without my son. I’ve always loved the guitar from the very moment I heard it being played in a public square at very young age back in 1967. Growing up as a child I would often attended wedding receptions that had live bands. As a child, I recall slipping off my uncomfortable dress shoes at these receptions and would sit down on the floor with my legs crossed, as close as the band members would allow me to sit and enjoy their live performance. It was so captivating. I would remain a fixture until the last song was played. For one reason or another, I enjoyed hearing tones from a guitar and those that came from the tubes of a B-3 Organ with a Leslie Cabinet Speaker. To me these two instruments stirred something inside of me that I could never expressed to you in words. Later in life, I got married and God blessed me with both a daughter and son. From the age of 10, my son took an intense interest in music and because I enjoyed music so much myself, I supported his passion for music by getting him guitars and accessories over the years. I saw him growing as a young musician at amazing speed. A friend of mine who has been teaching my son, taught my son how to play cover songs that I grew up enjoying as a kid. So listening to my son play music was just that much more sweeter. About 2 years after my son died, an acoustic guitar opportunity presented itself to me and I accepted. It was a bitter sweet decision, but I was now retired and actually had the time to devote to maybe learning how play the instrument. I have no formal music knowledge. I’ve never before heard the words: music theory ever uttered together. So I started reading. I must admit that Music Theory doesn’t make to much sense to me, but I just soak up what does make sense and try to apply it when I’m practicing open chords. My strumming is improving. Sometimes as I’m getting lost and frustrated using tabs and about to give up on the idea; it’s like magic, when I recognize some small amount of success. Something new that I wasn’t able to do the day before. I believe this is my son’s eternal spirit guiding his old man along during these frustrating movements. I play for hours. I have deep ruts in my fingers that still get quite painful after 3 hours of non-stop playing of the guitar. Playing the guitar is what keeps me alive today. It’s my drug of choice. When I have to go and do something, I find myself disappointed that I won’t be back for sometime to practice and spend time with my guitar.

More recently, I stumbled upon some videos you recorded and uploaded to YouTube. When I started watching them, I immediately shared them on my Facebook page and via email with people who are part-time musicians. I keep going back and listening them. You’re an amazing artist. I’m sure you know this, but what in the hell would it hurt for just one more person to recognize your gift to those who truly enjoy listening to musicians perform. Your vocal talent is just incredible. Your guitar skill is equally incredible. Every time I have a chance to enjoy one of your music video, I find myself slipping back to that wonder place I touched on briefly earlier.

Thank you for sharing your music. It is so beautiful and touching. Also very inspiring for me, personally.

Whenever I hear you play Broken Man it brings me back in time to a place where my son was before God rescued him from his personal suffering.

I would like to cover your song in time. If you could tell me where I could get the lyrics and the tab sheet, I would truly appreciate it and will do my best to one day cover it in your honor.

God bless

David Holtsclaw
😊✌🏼

[awsghanem]

These 4 who didn't like this, have no taste of ...living 
THANKS FROM SYRIA just so amazing..

[brianclaxton]

He makes me so proud to be Canadian 🍺😁🇨🇦

[frankoudenaar]

Die derksen heeft verstand van muziek. Prachtig dit dankzij VI anders had ik t nooit gehoord

[nijo]

What can you do to a broken man... You give him love♥️

[johnpaulmccluskey]

what a performer love how he makes you feel every word talented man

[eggdelmonty]

Great insight great poetry lost my son 19 years 0ld crazy days love your feelings 👍

[joddaley]

I've been blessed to know Matt and his family from where we live, I remember Matt starting out real young and was awesome then. Its nice that his mom whom plays piano and him and his guitar come to Christmas mass every year to play. You go Matt.

[rebeccahart]

what a great voice he's got and his music is so deep and touching

[elcambumb]

whow wat was deze kerel goed zeg
duidelijk indruk gemaakt op veel mensen

[MsAmos]

I LOVE THIS MAN! HIs LYRICS draw you in~ and HIs VOICE IS

[JoMcKayNotes]

wow...my first visit to hear Mr Matt Anderson, I am refreshing to hear again...If I wore a hat Mr Anderson I would take it off to you, and to the man who is broken...respect with love that's what we can do...(love this thank you) #Blues   #MattAnderson   #StoryTelling   #greatness  

[bartmccoy]

I’m going to fly into St Louis in February 2023 and catch a Matt Anderson show! Super pumped!!

[patrickp]

What an incredible song writer ! Just a beautiful song and with your hauntingly soulful voice is just perfect. Thank you sir.

[nellyt]

Can't believe it's taken me so long to find this guys music man what a fkn voice

[capitaldd]

Now this guy, is so underrated it's not even funny. He's talented.

[frankheijne]

Johan weet het wel.. muziek voor volwassenen. Mooi dat dit soort muziek meer aandacht krijgt!

[peterb]

Zag hem Live met mijn zoon in Eindhoven afgelopen jaar… awsome.

[danaedwards]

Just discovered this beautiful song " Broken Man" by Matt Anderson through a video for tv show Hell on Wheels.. A friend made with song as backdrop.. I love it!! :)

[MrBecky]

you can't take the home from a homeless man
you can't take away his streets
you can't threaten a man, with nothing to lose
or bruise him when he's beat
you can't take money from a poor man
or scare a man with no fear
you can't shame a man with no pride
or force a stone to tears
what can you do to a broken man
what can you do to a broken man
you can't cut a man who's bleeding
you can't push a man who's down
you can't starve a man who's hungry
or loose him when he's found
you can't break a man who's broken
or cheat a man who knows
or kill a dream that's dead
and curse it when it goes
what can you do to a broken man
what can you do to a broken man
you can't strip a man who's naked
you can't defend a man who's lied
you can't believe a man who's lost
you can't envy a man that's cried
you can't lift a man who's risen
or teach a man that knows
you can't fight a man who's won
or heat a fire that burns
what can you do to a broken man
what can you do to a broken man