We previously featured Matt Johnson when he brought quiet emotional power to his piano rendition of Wicked’s For Good, so when we heard that the talented composer was back with Mother’s Day Proverb, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in his sonic universe once again.
Mother’s Day Proverb opens with an intimate and emotional piano performance with glistening details. The opus expands with a powerful, spoken word monologue with the prose, “Who can find a worthy woman for her price is far above rubies…The heart of her husband trusts in her, he shall have no lack of being, she does him good…”
We immediately connect with the intentional nature of the piece, and how important the message is with a sharp rise in “manosphere” content and toxic masculinity. The delivery is steady, meditative, affirming and warm.
The journey that we are being taken on is vivid, cinematic and visual. In essence, the passage, which is from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Proverbs, chapter 31, verses 10–31, is often referred to as the description of the “virtuous woman”.
It describes the ideal of a virtuous and capable woman. It emphasizes her strength, wisdom, diligence and moral character. The passage portrays her as someone who is hardworking and resourceful, managing her household, engaging in business, caring for her family, and helping those in need. She is respected by her husband and community, not because of outward beauty, which is described as fleeting, but because of her character and reverence for God.
It feels highly zeitgeist, and we are grateful to Matt for bringing this to 2026 with a sublime piano accompaniment. It resonates deeply with us, and feels meditative, akin to an audiobook of positive affirmations. The final quarter of the piece is a piano solo which allows for more drama and indeed introspection.
The song was poignantly released in time for Mothering Sunday, and we have added Mother’s Day Proverb to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Matt Johnson, including Wicked’s For Good.