Flashback Friday – Matchbox Twenty’s Break Up Song That Was Almost Banned

B101.7's Flashback Friday spotlight on the breakup song which served as the beginning of a string of hits, but how close was it to actually being banned?

In 1997 the alternative rock band Matchbox Twenty released 'Push,' their second single from their debut album Yourself or Someone Like You.  It became a career defining hit for the guys, but it came with some controversy.

The early days of 'Push' being played, feminist groups were outraged about what they perceived as song about glorifying domestic abuse.  Frontman Rob Thomas quickly spoke out to explain the song is about emotional confrontation and not physical.

Songfacts shares:

Thomas wrote this about a high school girlfriend who vengefully broke up with him by giving his clothes to charity. Thomas didn't have money to buy new clothes, so local bands helped him out by giving him T-shirts and other items. Over the next few months, he wore a lot of band T-shirts.

The music video for 'Push' shows Matchbox Twenty performing the song in a city alley, with flashes of symbolism with Rob Thomas trapped in a crowd or in a box.

Matchbox Twenty 'Push'

Listen to B101.7 Friday at 5 for when I feature the spotlight song on the radio! Saturday night catch a whole night of flashbacks during the B101.7 Saturday Night Party, starting at 8pm.

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