“Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty

This classic by Matchbox Twenty is centered on a character who in a general sense we can say has mental issues, i.e. being “unwell”. And this is not to imply that he is institutionalized or anything like that. Rather perhaps the best way to describe his condition is as being depressed and possessing low self-esteem. It should also be noted that he ‘talks to himself in public’. But whether or not such is classifiable as a direct sign of a serious psychological disorder is a matter of debate.

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More to the intended point, the lyrics are not meant to be about their subject per se. Or more specifically, the character which Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas portrays is actually meant to be a personification or generalization of what “we all feel” every now and then. Or stated otherwise, depression is a common emotion, and perceiving one’s self in a less-than-favorable light tends to occur from time-to-time. And while talking to yourself in public may not nearly be as widespread of an occurrence, ultimately the conclusion of “Unwell” is meant to be a happy one as it is centered on the aforementioned subject coming to the realization that he is indeed not mad despite what can be described as regular feelings of despondency.

Inspiration behind “Unwell”

Rob Thomas’ explanation for the sentimental origins of this song is quite interesting. It comes from the notion of an individual being ‘uncomfortable in their own skin’. Or rather that is how he personally felt in many instances, including in relation to his job as a musician within certain settings. Indeed this feeling of discontent apparently even made him feel alienated amongst his own Matchbox Twenty bandmates. And these psychological issues then resulted in him having “crazy panic attacks”.

Or viewed from a different perspective, he repressed the aforementioned discomfort until he could no longer productively contain it. And basically, “Unwell” served as the first step in him letting out this uneasiness and dealing with the situation directly. And the logical implication would be that the issues which the subject of the song is going through would be akin to what Thomas himself was enduring. Hence the lyrics are autobiographical.

Music Video

The music video to this song was helmed by well-recognized Irish director Meiert Avis. It went on to be placed at the top of VH1’s list of the “Top 40 Videos of the Year” of 2003.

Matchbox 20 also teamed up with a technology company called SwivelVR to create a virtual-reality music video to “Unwell”. This version was based on one of the band’s live performances and afforded fans “multi-camera” viewing options.

“Unwell” came out on 3 April 2003. Atlantic Records issued it as the second single from Matchbox Twenty’s album entitled “More Than You Think You Are”.

The song itself topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary and Adult Top 40 charts. It also broke the top five of the Hot 100 and made and an appearance on the UK Singles Chart. Furthermore, it made it into the official music charts of a handful of other countries.

“Unwell” also earned Matchbox Twenty a Grammy nomination in 2004.

That would be the traditional-American instrument known as a banjo. And it is played by Matchbox Twenty’s own Paul Doucette.

“Unwell” was written by Matchbox Twenty’s lead vocalist Rob Thomas, and the track was produced by Matt Serletic.