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.
I used to be so sensible on my own
Now I'm so sensitive it's a joke
I'm getting by on decibels like a drug
And greet every brand
New day with a shrug
I'm barely hanging on
I used to be so comfortable in a suit
Almost presentable next to you
I used to be so confident in a crowd
Now I can't say my own name aloud
I'm barely hanging on
And now I guess you're
Wondering why
We never could see eye to eye
Oh but never mind
And now I guess it's hard to see
What has gotten into me
Oh but never mind
I'm barely hanging on
Now I'm so sensitive it's a joke
I'm getting by on decibels like a drug
And greet every brand
New day with a shrug
I'm barely hanging on
I used to be so comfortable in a suit
Almost presentable next to you
I used to be so confident in a crowd
Now I can't say my own name aloud
I'm barely hanging on
And now I guess you're
Wondering why
We never could see eye to eye
Oh but never mind
And now I guess it's hard to see
What has gotten into me
Oh but never mind
I'm barely hanging on
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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I believe this a song about the feeling of someone who has once been a Strong and confident character, and something happened to him that knocked him off that tower. Something caused a slip in strength, and its not only effected his success but also his ability to climb back up. And with every failure it slips a little further. To the point where even his friends/wife no longer see things the same way or understand on another. And yet he's unable to face that problem for fear of effecting himself further. "Oh but never mind"
This is such an incredible song and I whole-heartedly agree with the above interperatation. It's a really good song to listen to when your a bit upset, I dont know how or why but it makes you feel a little better.
I used to be so sensible on my own Now I'm so sensitive it's a joke
I think I can see my self on that lyrics.lol
it's actually sad for me, coz I can see myself singing it for me, I'm not happy to what I am now.:(
I believe it's about growing old, looking older and uglier, losing your hair, feeling the strain on life. You are in a fog...a depression and life keeps on going without you. No confidence out in public.. A broken man.