Matt Finish - Short Note 

I met Matt in a friends lounge room in the early 90's in Sydney .. we chatted and i told him how much I loved 'Short Note' he picked up his guitar & played & sang for me ... What a beautiful moment .. I truly feel blessed to have experienced that moment xxx

One of the most iconic australian songs ,so underrated ,sublime ,captures the most beautiful atmosphere of Australia in the 80s ,Just superb.

From the first time I heard this in 1980 as a 22 yo to right now as a 64 yo this song for me captures that feeling of the end of struggle, the end of trying to explain, the end of trying to control and the peace that comes with the resignation and acceptance of the joy and pain life's journey brings. I see my errors now, too much when and how, and you blow it anyway x

This band and Matt M should be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. There is no peer for this music. I am 57 and used to watch Matt Finish at Sydney Uni-they were simply awesome and are the epitome of the 1980's when music was played well. RIP Matt M and thanks to John Prior who offers comments and details of recordings. Thanks again for the memories

2021....40 years listening to this brilliant song. RIP M.M.

One of the best songs ever crafted in Australian music..geez they were a classy unit both live and in the studio. Testament to the late great Matt Moffitt.

This song has given me goosebumps from the first time I heard it decades ago... now 52 and still loving it more than ever

this takes me back to summers sitting on my panel van bonnet having a smoke watching the waves roll in. thanks for this.

This is not just one of Australia's most beautifully crafted songs with MM's sublime vocal talent, it is one of these world's greatest songs......

Best Aussie ballad ever, I never get tired of it. R.I.P Matt. Australia misses you.

Grew up with this, played at my mums funeral. Legend!!

Just a short note You'll find the key inside There's no one home tonight But come in anyway The shallow sea Calm, but not asleep You're gonna wade into the deep Tomorrow's years away And now I know Why darkness makes me smile The night will have its child And the wind will wind away The wind will wind away Until you're telling your friends we died Laughing still But the vessel that you fill Will be your own Wade into the deep How much can you see, Before we're all the same Those words I wrote I see my errors now There's too much when and how And you blow it anyway The shallow sea Calm, but not asleep You're gonna wade into the deep Tomorrow's years away Every day, every day, every day And now I know Why darkness makes me smile The night will have it's child And we'll all just blow away Just watch us blow away Until you're telling your friends we died Laughing still But the vessel that you fill Will be your own Wade into the deep How much can you see Before we're all the same Show me

This is the song every musician wishes they had written

One of the closest songs to perfection ... Still miss ya, Matt - a great talent and a nice guy

Takes me back to the early to mid 80's when naivety and youth had me brimming with vitality...optimism......Which evaporated all too soon.....Like our lives overall really. *Beautiful song; a special time for so many. Thx.

This song will always be the song of my youth, and the anthem of life, it still brings me tears when I listen to it. I eternally love it

Beautiful Australian song takes me back to my to my youth. I remember buying Short Note at my local record store in Vinyl

Thank you for all the wonderful comments. Enjoy!

Still listening in 2019! 'Tomorrow's years away'.

I see my errors now...darkness makes me smile, show me. Vale Matt.

As somebody who lived in western Sydney and grew up listening to brilliant musicians from Australia through my school years in the early 80's. You have been truly blessed

Man I love this song. Takes me back to special times and places. RIP Matt Moffitt

Im 72 years old and to this day the best live show I've ever been to was Mat finish at the regent theatre Ballarat absolutely superb show fantastic venue with superb acoustics.

Was lucky enough to see him live in Melbourne in 84. My sister and I always thought that he was brilliant, and the show was no exception. I am so glad I went that night and got to see an incredible talent. So sad that he's gone.

Here here Matt Moffit, unfortunate that such a talent has passed. I bought this album in the 80's, but due recognition was not given to such heart felt music........

Those who saw Live knew there was something special happening. How lucky we were there to experience it

one of the best oz classic ...... takes me back to the summer of 80's

Great talent.. knew Matt from high school daze in a band Rum Jungle.... our band Bacchus Marsh and Rum Jungle would perform together on the same bill at dances across the Blue Mountains in the early 70s. R.I.P. Matt

I had the pleasure of being in a band (Barefoot) that supported Matt Finish in Sydney in the 90's. I was totally star struck by MM, couldn't speak to him at the time as a result, he was a strong influence in my teens. Superb songs. But my biggest regret at the time was that JP wasn't playing drums then. Man that cat could play solid. Great band, amazing drummer. RIP Matt, gone but never forgotten. Russ

The album Short Note was a soundtrack for my friends and I, all turning 18 and 19 during its year of release. We lived in a large coal industry town, a pretty rough and hard-drinking town with a well-established drug culture, so finding distractions (from the more damaging distractions) was a bit of a blessing. This band and that 1st album was one such blessing. Three or four years later, having pried myself away from my hometown, I got a call from a friend who'd also fled to Melbourne. Matt Finish were playing that night at the Westside Nitespot/Tarmac Hotel in Laverton - all of which I'd never heard of. I hadn't ventured outside of my St Kilda bubble apart from the odd trip to Richmond and the city. I always stayed east of the Westgate Bridge. But a few hours later we were off the bridge and in the west, the night lit up by the flares of the petrochemical plants all around us. While I was waiting at the bar for a couple of pots I wondered whether we'd be leaving the venue without getting thumped. It was giving off a definite vibe. In fact it was almost like being back home. As it happened though, the night went without a hitch. The way I remember it, the band came on, took control of the room, held control, and won it over. As only a great rock 'n' roll band can do. I still have the entry ticket from that night - the perforation remains unbroken because, I guess, I was having too much of a good time in the music to be bothered giving half the ticket to the woman in the servery for the 'supper provided' that the ticket said I was entitled to! The mate that accompanied me to that gig, he died five years later. Cancer, rather than misadventure. And when I think of that night, or hear that album, and this song in particular, it reminds me of him, and the best parts of then. Thank you.

Still an amazing song for me, I literally just float away listening to this classic... One of the best Aussie songs ever ...,

One of my favourite songs, such emotion coming through, used to make me feel like crying. Even though still a very young girl, I really picked up on a lot of sadness emanating through the radio. Thank You, to all the members of the band at the time who played on this track.

this has been my favorite song since i first heard it (back in the day) . It's the ring tone on my phone and not to sound morbid, but also the song i picked for my funeral... when it's my time. Until then, i will listen to it as much as i can

rick grossman is the god of bass perfect feel and accompanliment

Never get sick of listening to this song. I don't know what it is about it, it brings up a sort of nostalgia of when I was young, growing up, going out. Back then, when I was younger, I didn't know what was ahead in my life, how was it going to turn out. Fom the look of the crowd in the filmclip, there was a different attitude back then

oh how I miss his amazing voice, lyrics and deep messages. I discovered Matt Finish backing up The Oils many many years ago and fell in love that night. Rest in Peace you gorgeous man such a brilliant light...

short note one of my all time Oz classics.

Short Note is a very special song to me! I feel so complete when I listen to this beautiful tune! Very uplifting!

The Collector Tavern Parramatta 1987.. Miss ya mate!!

one of the best songs ever written...i cant belive i forgot it

Tomorrows years away. Always was. Always will be.

Saw matt at sundowner hotel the song short note was aired for the first time two days prior. We fell in love with the song rushed to sundowner everyone is in the beer garden while me and my four Muso mates were the only ones in the room watching the band . They sat with us in the break and let us play a few songs at the beginning of there second set matt was a gentleman his greater songs were never recorded. we were there first fans

What a great band......we used to see them every week ( Mon. nights?) in Sydney at some hotel (?)..always awesome gigs. Yep , as others have said --> RIP MM xxx

A GREAT song from the magic era of 79-83. Aussie pub rock at it's finest. ❤......

One of the best Australian songs ever….

I still have my Matt Finish cassettes & listen to Short Note often.

Matt Moffitt from age 4 you knew what you wanted to be. You did it! From heaven you are inspiring and moving people to tears! I’m so proud of you . I love you. Look after everyone until we are all together and feel all our love. Love you Matt Slugger Xsxrb

Its funny how 1 tiny thing can lead on to another.I don't remember what I thought at the time,but it made me think of Matt Finish.Had not heard the song for yonks.(a long time for those that don't understand).I bought the cassette back in the early 80's I absolutely loved this song.Decided to check it out here and what memories it stired..To dwsnare,I checked out wikipedia and yes unfortunately,Matt passed away in 2003,may he REST IN PEACE.Thankyou to all of Matt Finish for such a song.Stay Safe

Could never go past this beautiful ballad

Such an typical Aussie classic with that laid back yet powerful feel. Absolutely Brilliant.

Matt was a talent. One that was not recognised in his life. But will always be.

One of the best songs ever...takes me back in time

80s music is so expressive and beautiful... Glad I was there and continue to enjoy it

What an amazing song sung by an amazing singer!!

I only discovered this song tonight. It's so good.

Matt FInish...... my mid teen years where intertwined with MF. The Sundowner Hotel on Friday night.... Lost my girlfriend the night we saw MF at the "Sunny"...thought i'd never be able to breathe again..all to the backdrop of these tunes being belted out. Now i sit and listen to this 30 years later. WOW. This tune stirs such emotion in me that i had to stop sit and think about life for the rest of the afternoon. So sad to hear about MM's passing. @ Lucy Sorry for your loss- no words compensate

Will never grow old. Timeless. Strings felt weird , only knowing the original. Who cares. Would love a dollar for every time I've come home to knock myself out with this track. Thanks Mr Moffit, touched alot of younger people than you realise or care. Beautiful Music.

What a wonderful song from one of the most under-rated Australian performers since the 1960s.

Still Listen and Play Matt Finish in My Car and at Home just a brilliant band who were unique and Such Talents real Aussie Music should be acknowledged into the Hall Of Fame 100% saw Then at the tivoli in sydney many years ago RIP Matt

A beautiful song in a beautiful time.

One of the most beautiful-est songs ever written.

1st heard this LIVE in 1980 at an Open Air Concert 3 Day Festival at Stroud, NSW called "Tanelorn". This song stopped me in my tracks. Amongst the thousands, the darkness & the dust, it was surreal hearing this beautiful ballad performed.

I’ll never forget when a drummer friend implored me to buy Short Note in ‘81 when we met outside a record shop in Hobart. I still have the cassette ( it’s lasted pretty well over 41 years of regular playing, although I also have cd and vinyl copies.) To me this music will never get old. So glad there are plenty of others who seem to agree. So sad that drugs marred the life of such a creative soul. One of the greatest scourges of our society, and it’s not getting any better from what I gather.

great song still get goose bumps

Always loved this!! 😊😍 Only heard it again last yr after many yrs. A guy I know just sang it today with a mate of his

I just went to Bunnings at Belconnen, Canberra where this song was playing. Came home and spent about two hours searching for it and finally found it. Had no idea this was an Australian group and the lead singer died way before his time. Very sad to learn that. Beautiful song!

Doesn't get any better than this soulful Iconic Aussie rock ballad

One of the greatest songs ever composed that I have heard in my lifetime. Matt Moffitt was a truly remarkable songwriting genius. Long live his music for years to come.

longive Matt Short note wherever in the universe ya star is shining Lea xx

I toured with this band many years ago .They used to do heaps of shows with Midnight oil also when I worked for them

They were one of my favourite bands in the 80s, every song on that album is a winner, the likes of you will never see again.

Always loved this song. Great time in my life when this was around. I always thought it was Mark Hunter sang this. So sad that both these wonderful writers/singers are no longer with us. at least we'll always treasure such great songs they left for us to enjoy. Thanks guys. Love & Peace!!

Takes me back to my earliest teens...early 80s...safer times ...beautiful Auzzie Music 💓

80,s Sydney pub rock ruled. Great days.

Never get sick of hearing this song, so many memories of such a happy crazy time. R.I.P. Matt and our dear friend Beckky, seperate entities. I still visit Beck's grave out at Botany in the Jewish section and leave the odd flower. 10 days before her 21st birthday she was gone. Matt and the Finish were just majic to our ears.

i love this song! i saw it on a movie and i was dying to hear it again!!

great song great voice

Can't even think of a song on this level it just gets u every time you here it absolutely iconic

Thank you for posting this... this song always moves me deeply..and I so loved Matt Moffitt's awesome presence...

So many amazing memories from my teens watching this band at The Observer Hotel in The Rocks! What a great song! ❤

one of the great songs

Thanks for posting. Feels like only a few years ago I saw the band for the first time live supporting U2 at Apollo Stadium, Adelaide.

love you Matt 🥰 this song is gold 🙌🏼 so many precious memories from my teens in the 90’s thank you & RIP 😢🙏🏼

My youth is all I can think about when I hear this Matt Moffet was a genius and made an enormous impact on my then

Can remember this song long ago! How good is it with todays tech. that all this past good music is now at our fingertips! Long live good music!

R.I.P. "Stretch".... a great mate and a big fan of Matt Moffitt and passed away too young and in similar circumstances...

great tune... paints a nice picture

Still one of the great Aussie classics

A stunning song. I came acroos Matt Finish completely by accident as they were performing at Melbourne University around 1980/81 when I worked there. I couldn't tear myself away from their performance and went to see them any time they came to Melbourne. Matt Moffitt was so gorgeous, charismatic and such a good singer. I still listen to them on You tube on a regular basic. Sad he is not with us now.

brings back many memories of friends of past, lots love to all ,memories last forever!

Amazing song. Makes me think of friends and family and those big with us anymore. Hard not to tear up. Beautiful song.

What an amazing song. What an amazing band.

Damn i love this song so much ...

This brilliant song transports me back to year 1 in primary school and me trying to figure out why i love this song so much and now today as a 54 year old, I know exactly why!!!!!!!!!!!

Reminds me of roller skating on family holidays down the coast over Christmas. I fell in love with girls in summer and the memories and nostalgia this song creates in me is almost overwhelming! Vale Matt. What a song!!! 💔

yep , when music was music , i hear you , and dont forget the church too , great music

Timeless,one of the great songs,I'm making sure my children hear this as it gets forgotten on radio.

love this song! And always a fan of John Prior's drumming

Met Matt quite a few times...nice manners...great smile...had his own theories ...sadly missed...Icon artist

I've always loved this song...I don't remember the orchesration in the original so if it was added...brilliant...if it wasn't added then THANK GOD its here so I can relive the beauty any time I feel like it