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.
La-la-la
La-la-la, la
La-la-la
La-la-la, ooh
I remember the first day
I met you
We were so young
You were a blessing
And there was no guessing
You were the one
Love is so crazy
We had a baby
And said our vows
That's when you told me
Should anything happen
I can hear you now
You told me
If the sun comes up
And I'm not home
Be strong
If I'm not beside you
Do your best to
Carry on
Tell the kids about me
When they're old enough to understand
Tell them that their daddy was
A good man, yeah
La-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da
First anniversary
Remember we
Chose a star
And as I stand under it
I can't help but wonder if
You see it where you are
For whatever reason
We don't see the seasons
Change again
Go there with peace of mind
We'll meet on the other side
'Cause true love don't end
Ooh baby
If the sun comes up
And you're not home
I'll be strong
If you're not beside me
I'll do my best to
Carry on
I'll tell the kids about you
When they're old enough to understand
I'll tell them that their daddy was
A good man
La-da-da, la-da-da ooh
La-da-da, la-da-da ooh
Two eyes
Looking
Up at me
Pointing to the picture like, "Where is he?"
Mama, are you okay?
What did the paper say
To make you cry that way?
It said your daddy lived for you
And your daddy died for you
And I'll do the same
Now, baby if the sun comes up
And I'm not home
Be strong
If I'm not beside you
Do your best to
Carry on
Tell your kids about me
When they're old enough to understand
Tell them that your daddy was
A good man, a good man
La-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da
La-la-la, la
La-la-la
La-la-la, ooh
I remember the first day
I met you
We were so young
You were a blessing
And there was no guessing
You were the one
Love is so crazy
We had a baby
And said our vows
That's when you told me
Should anything happen
I can hear you now
You told me
If the sun comes up
And I'm not home
Be strong
If I'm not beside you
Do your best to
Carry on
Tell the kids about me
When they're old enough to understand
Tell them that their daddy was
A good man, yeah
La-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da
First anniversary
Remember we
Chose a star
And as I stand under it
I can't help but wonder if
You see it where you are
For whatever reason
We don't see the seasons
Change again
Go there with peace of mind
We'll meet on the other side
'Cause true love don't end
Ooh baby
If the sun comes up
And you're not home
I'll be strong
If you're not beside me
I'll do my best to
Carry on
I'll tell the kids about you
When they're old enough to understand
I'll tell them that their daddy was
A good man
La-da-da, la-da-da ooh
La-da-da, la-da-da ooh
Two eyes
Looking
Up at me
Pointing to the picture like, "Where is he?"
Mama, are you okay?
What did the paper say
To make you cry that way?
It said your daddy lived for you
And your daddy died for you
And I'll do the same
Now, baby if the sun comes up
And I'm not home
Be strong
If I'm not beside you
Do your best to
Carry on
Tell your kids about me
When they're old enough to understand
Tell them that your daddy was
A good man, a good man
La-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da
Lyrics submitted by Stardust29
Good Man Lyrics as written by Shannon Sanders India Arie
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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i think...
i think what India is saying is... that the girl and the guy met one day, and fell in love, and had a child. and the guy asked her to promise her if one day he isnt there any longer. then she would remain strong for their children. as the song goes on, i believe the man died, perhaps fought for his child and his country "your daddy lived for you, your daddy died for you". and perhaps he passed away at an early stage in the child's childhood. and so one day as the child asked about his father, his mother retells the story about their father and how he passed away, and how he was a good man and fought for their country...
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