04.01.24: "Break My Stride" - Matthew Wilder
My Substack is back on April 1st (!) with a song that still destroys me, moves me to tears and makes me grateful to be alive. You know it's the greatest song ever! Happy April Fool's :)
I know exactly where I was when I first heard this song. I was at the River Oaks Mall in Calumet City, IL where my mom would take me on a weekly basis for a shopping expedition. A favorite store was Carson Pirie Scott, a corporation she would later work for years later. Over the loudspeakers came the sound of a warped synthesizer, my life then forever changed.
All of you know who Matthew Wilder is. Though he is lesser known than his father Billy and his brother Gene, the songwriter of the immortal, beloved classic “Break My Stride” is a force to be reckoned with. It’s clear that he was destined for greatness and would later become as renowned as pioneers like Lennon, McCartney, Harry Nilsson, and Robert James Ritchie.
Born Matthew Weiner on January 24, 1953, in New York City, Wilder's passion for music was evident from a young age. He began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly developed a love for composition and performance. As a teenager, he honed his skills as a musician, experimenting with different genres and styles, and eventually found his niche in the world of pop music.
According to Wikipedia.com, industry executive Clive Barker signed Wilder to Arrested Records in 1981 or 1982, but Wilder was not getting the results he or the producers wanted with finding the style of music that worked for him. Poor and near the end of a frustrating period with the record label, he self-financed the recording of "Break My Stride" in the early hours of the morning at the studio of producer Rick James, responsible for the smash hit, “Party All the Time.” That might be the second greatest song ever recorded. We all know what number one is and I’m writing it about today on April 1st, 2024.
Wilder's breakthrough came in the early 1980s with the release of his debut album, "I Don't Speak the Language." This was the album that featured the uplifting anthem "Break My Stride," which catapulted Wilder to international fame and deservedly so. With its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, "Break My Stride" became a chart-topping success, cementing Wilder's reputation as a formidable talent in the music industry.
I remember yanking on my mom’s coat back in 1983 demanding we go to Hegewisch Records immediately to buy a 45 cassinglette of “Break My Stride” so I could play it in our Oldsmobile on the ride home. “Mom, this song changes the way I see the world,” I said at the age of 5. I now know what I want to do with my life. Gone were my aspirations of becoming a meteorologist, I knew that I wanted to start a Substack newsletter about music simply for the purposes of singing the praises of Matthew Wilder. Folks, dreams can come true. Thank you, mom.
“Now looking back we do know that “Break My Stride” was indeed a hit and has become somewhat of a classic, being utilized by the likes of P. Diddy (1997). And that’s mainly because on the surface it features a universally identifiable idea of an individual being optimistic to the point of not letting any distractions alter his forward movement. It’s the ultimate treadmill anthem only instead of slowing down, you only run faster and faster and faster until your heart implodes” - AI
Wilder's contributions to music go beyond his success as a performer. Throughout his career, he has also made significant contributions as a songwriter and producer, working with a diverse range of artists across various genres. His ability to craft memorable melodies and sharp lyrics has earned him the respect of his peers and solidified his place as one of the industry's most sought-after talents.
One of Wilder's most notable collaborations was with the legendary singer-songwriter Linda Ronstadt. In the late 1980s, he co-wrote and produced several tracks for Ronstadt's album "Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind," including the Grammy-winning duet "Don't Know Much," performed with Aaron Neville. The album was a commercial and critical success, further cementing Wilder's reputation as a skilled songwriter and producer.
In addition to his work with Ronstadt, Wilder has also produced records and collaborated with artists such as No Doubt, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson, among others. His versatility as a musician and his willingness to explore different genres have allowed him to leave his mark on a wide range of musical projects, each showcasing his unique talents and creative vision.
Beyond his accomplishments in the music industry, Wilder's career is also a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, he has continued to pursue his passion for music with unwavering determination, never allowing obstacles to deter him from his goals. No woman is going to bring him down. He is going to keep on moving, whether you like it or not. The words here are a geyser of inspiration willing to take a drink. Like a slap in the face of God and all that’s holy, calling this “poetry” would be an understatement.
“Last night I had the strangest dream
I sailed away to China
In a little row boat to find ya
And you said you had to get your laundry cleaned
Didn't want no one to hold you
What does that mean?”
I don’t care what it means, I just feel all the emotions that a human being could ever feel even just cutting and pasting those words. Matthew, you had a dream and just like McCartney’s “Yesterday,” you ended up writing a song that grocery stores and shopping malls everywhere would play relentlessly. As a teenager, it got to the point where I would go mall hopping with friends and we’d pray in the car on the way there that the song would come back on the speakers. The only reason I worked as a bread merchandiser for a while was because I knew I would likely get a daily dose of Wilder in my eager eardrums.
“We are headed over to St. Josephine’s, to Crunchwrap Bay, for a final stay before our beloved campground vacation spot is sold off to private investors and torn down by the powers that be. Tomorrow’s sunrise will be from a different perspective. Fragments of vessels broken, painting light eclipsing the waves below. Oh, not to mention I need to get my laundry cleaned. So, here’s to keeping things in stride today and to new blue horizons. My husband’s playing the DJ market on the laptop, taking calls in the hallway, sometimes refilling the ice bucket. I’m about to head over to the sugar sandy beachside for a jog then grab a Big Gulp Blue Dew at the nearest 9/11. Nope, ain’t nothin’ gonna slow this girl down today! I wish you a little song in your step today too!” - Janie Evanson
(geocities.frogspot.com)
Without going into any deep analysis, no matter how you slice it, “Break My Slide” is just a fucking ton of fun. It is a song about resilience, defiance and determination in the face of personal challenges and strife. Of course, you all know this, you have ears. All of these qualities have kept this pop masterpiece for four decades, and based on its positive vibes, we could likely use it for many more years to come. This is a work of art that takes many swings and I’m here for all of them.
I’ve been writing to the government for quite some time to make April 1st an official holiday: Matthew Wilder day. Everybody should celebrate by putting this song on repeat, even inviting co-workers to choreograph a dance for their patrons and customers. I want everyone to experience what I experienced back in Carson Pirie Scott in Calumet City, IL that fateful day. Pure unabashed, elevated bliss - the kind that can usually only come from orgasms or really high-quality mescaline. Thank you, Mr. Wilder. “Break My Stride” is undoubtedly, the greatest song ever recorded. I’m listening to it now and perhaps; it’ll be the only song I write about from this point forward.
I love this song so much that I had to share my true thoughts about it on an RPN podcast hosted by Terry Ross’ called Uptown Song Club. If you want to know what I really think, you should listen to this delightful episode, I talk about this glorious epic around the 20:20 mark. This is a podcast for the ages: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2039079/11243408-2-robert-fripped-me-feat-tony-valdivieso-and-jim-laczkowski
Or just listen to the song below; prepare yourself to be dazzled all over again.
P.S April Fool's jokes are silly but I enjoyed this, sorry.
The real #46 will be up soon!