“English Town” by Matchbox Twenty

Despite its terseness, “English Town” is a lyrically-complex song, one that is honestly not easy to decipher. But it reads as if it is based on a romance. This is made most evident in the second verse. And said relationship has its issues. For instance, “mistakes” have been made, and apparently the narrator, his partner or the both of them need a break. And fundamentally that’s what the “English town” represents. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Matchbox Twenty's English Town at Lyrics.org.

In other words, the actual location itself isn’t what matters but rather the fact that the singer has apparently found relief from his woes, i.e. a sense of peace, at this locality. This is what the reference to the ‘sun breaking’ seemingly symbolizes. 

So in an attempt to encapsulate the narrative of this song within a simple story line, the singer has some type of serious beef with his significant other. And he has found relief from such, even if only for a moment, in the titular “English town”.

“When the sun breaks over the edge of an English town
It pulls me away from a bad dream”

Who wrote “English Town”?

“English Town” was written by Paul Doucette, marking the rare occasion where he is the sole writer of one of Matchbox Twenty’s tracks. It has been put forth that he actually wrote it while visiting a town in England. And it was at that particular time that he came to the realization that his marriage to Moon Zappa was coming to the end. And the two of them did divorce, after 11 years of marriage, in 2014.

“English Town” was produced by Matt Serletic.

Release Date

This song was released, with the rest of Matchbox Twenty’s album “North”, on 4 September 2012. And the label that put it out is Atlantic Records.

Was this a single from “North”?

No. “North” was actually supported by the following singles:

  • “She’s So Mean”
  • “Put Your Hands Up”
  • “Overjoyed”
  • Our Song

Despite not being issued as a single, “English Town” went on to become one of the outstanding tracks from “North”.

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