Matchbox

Carl Perkins

About Matchbox

"Matchbox" is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins and released in 1957. Blind Lemon Jefferson wrote and recorded a song entitled "Match Box Blues" in 1927, which is musically different but which contains some lyric phrases in common. "Matchbox" was recorded as a rockabilly song by Carl Perkins in December 1956 and by fellow Sun Records performer, Jerry Lee Lewis - who played piano on the original track - in 1958. The Carl Perkins tune shares some lyrics with 1920s blues songs by Ma Rainey and Blind Lemon Jefferson but the music is totally different. Sam Phillips and Sun Records released the Carl Perkins version as the B-side to "Your True Love". Although only the A-side became a record chart hit in 1957, "Matchbox" is one of Perkins' best-known recordings and variety of musicians have recorded the tune. 


 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Well, I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
Yeah, I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
I ain't got no matches, but I got a long way to go

I'm an ol' poor boy, long way from home
I'm an ol' poor boy, long way from home
Guess I'll never be happy, everything I do is wrong

Well, let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come
Let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come
When the big dog gets here, show him what this little puppy's done

Yeah, now I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
Yeah, sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
I ain't got no matches, got a long way to go, let 'em go boy, go

Well, I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
Oh, baby, I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
I ain't got no matches, I got a long way to go

 Struggling with Matchbox? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Carl Perkins

Carl Lee Perkins (April 9, 1932 – January 19, 1998) was an American rockabilly musician who recorded most notably at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning during 1954. His best known song is "Blue Suede Shoes". more »

1 fan

Written by: CARL PERKINS

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Release
"Matchbox" is a song first recorded by Carl Perkins in December 1956. It is his version that popularized the song and made it a Rockabilly classic, originally released as a single by Sun Records.
Inspiration
Carl Perkins was inspired to write "Matchbox" by a discussion about poverty he had overheard between some African American tenants on his father's farm.
Predecessor Songs
Perkins' "Matchbox" was largely inspired by a traditional blues song named "Match Box Blues" which was recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson in 1927.
Beatles Version
The Beatles covered "Matchbox" and released their version 1964. It majorly helped to cement the popularity of the song. Ringo Starr sang the vocals for their version.
Jerry Lee Lewis Performance
Noted as one of the legends of Rock and Roll, Jerry Lee Lewis also performed this song during a jam session known as the 'Million Dollar Quartet' on December 4, 1956, the same year Perkins recorded it.
Song's Genre
The song has been recognized as an important part of the rockabilly genre, which is a precursor to rock and roll, combining elements of blues, country, and R&B.
Cover Versions
Apart from The Beatles and Jerry Lee Lewis, many artists have covered "Matchbox", including Bob Dylan, Ronnie Hawkins, Johnny Rivers, and Willie Nelson.
Chart Success
The Beatles' cover of "Matchbox" peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Live Performances
Jerry Lee Lewis often performed "Matchbox" on stage, notably including it in his setlist during his famous live performance at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, in 1964.
Selection for Preservation
Carl Perkins' original recording of "Matchbox" was selected by the Library of Congress as a 2015 addition to the National Recording Registry, which collects "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" sound recordings from the 20th century.

Discuss the Matchbox Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Matchbox Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34862951/Carl+Perkins/Matchbox>.

    Missing lyrics by Carl Perkins?

    Know any other songs by Carl Perkins? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Matchbox

    884.4K
    5,809     193

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What tour was Ariana Grande on when the Manchester bombings happened?
    A Thank U, Next:
    B Dangerous Woman
    C Positions
    D Sweetener World

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Carl Perkins's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Carl Perkins tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!