In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Sitting here just watching you sleep
Wish I could slip inside and be in some technicolor dream
But the airs too thick for one of us to breathe
I’m not fool enough to think you couldn’t live life without me
I didn’t come this far to throw the towel in
I didn’t fight this hard to walk away
If I aint smart enough to say I’m sorry
It’s just because the words got in the way
I remember how it used to be, I was you and you were me
We were more than just the same
Now these shoes don’t fit, my skin’s too tight
When you want a kiss, I take a bite
Let your heart call up the cops, read me my rights
Last night I drank enough to drown
Raise a toast to your good looks and to my health
Look, we both know how much I’ve let you down
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
If I’ve got to beg, I’ll beg, just don’t walk away
Janie don’t you take your love to town
You deserve a shooter, a saint
Someone to give it to you straight
To find the soul through flesh and bone
My lifes a treasure, full of sunny weather
But it’s left me feeling cold
Now all you want to do is take me home
I hated you, the night you said you loved me
I hated you, cos I couldn’t love myself
I’m begging you now, baby please just hold me
I got one foot in and one foot off the ground
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
If I’ve got to beg, I’ll beg, just don’t walk away
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love ...
Sitting here while you’re fast asleep
In the bathroom by the sink
Trying to write the right words down
I turn out the lights, close my eyes
There aint no prayers or kiss goodnight
What I’ll forget to say tomorrow, I’ll say now
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
If I’ve got to beg, I’ll beg, just don’t walk away
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Wish I could slip inside and be in some technicolor dream
But the airs too thick for one of us to breathe
I’m not fool enough to think you couldn’t live life without me
I didn’t come this far to throw the towel in
I didn’t fight this hard to walk away
If I aint smart enough to say I’m sorry
It’s just because the words got in the way
I remember how it used to be, I was you and you were me
We were more than just the same
Now these shoes don’t fit, my skin’s too tight
When you want a kiss, I take a bite
Let your heart call up the cops, read me my rights
Last night I drank enough to drown
Raise a toast to your good looks and to my health
Look, we both know how much I’ve let you down
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
If I’ve got to beg, I’ll beg, just don’t walk away
Janie don’t you take your love to town
You deserve a shooter, a saint
Someone to give it to you straight
To find the soul through flesh and bone
My lifes a treasure, full of sunny weather
But it’s left me feeling cold
Now all you want to do is take me home
I hated you, the night you said you loved me
I hated you, cos I couldn’t love myself
I’m begging you now, baby please just hold me
I got one foot in and one foot off the ground
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
If I’ve got to beg, I’ll beg, just don’t walk away
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love ...
Sitting here while you’re fast asleep
In the bathroom by the sink
Trying to write the right words down
I turn out the lights, close my eyes
There aint no prayers or kiss goodnight
What I’ll forget to say tomorrow, I’ll say now
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Janie don’t you take your love to town
If I’ve got to beg, I’ll beg, just don’t walk away
Janie don’t you take your love to town
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae
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this has always been one of my favourite songs of all time. i just think its so beautiful and heartfelt. i would be proud if i was dorothea!
jon is just so incredibly talented lyrically, his only near competitor in the present day is probably Anthony Kiedis.