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.
The stage is set to rip the wings from a butterfly
(The stage is set)
The stage is set don't forget to breathe
(Between the lines)
If the whole world dies, then it's safe to take the stage
These graves will stretch like landing strips
Hospitals, all dead museums
We won't have to be afraid anymore
The crowd is growing silent with the gathering storm
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
If we say these words it will be too late to take them back
So we hold our breath and fold our hands
Like paper airplanes
(And we're going to crash)
We don't have to be alone
(We don't have to be alone)
Ever again
There's a riot in the theater, someone's standing in the aisles
(Yelling that the nurderers)
Are everywhere and they're lining up
(Carving the 'm' in your side)
Stand alone
(This time)
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
The stage is set to rip the wings from the butterfly
Pull the curtain back
Kill all the houselights
Pin the dress of lotus flowers
The silk is spinning round and around with the ceiling fan
I'm disappearing into the spotlight
I'm on display with the butterfly with smiles
With smiles like picket fences you tie us all up and leave us outside
"That voice is silent now, the boat has sunk"
We're on our own but we're not going to run
(The stage is set)
The stage is set don't forget to breathe
(Between the lines)
If the whole world dies, then it's safe to take the stage
These graves will stretch like landing strips
Hospitals, all dead museums
We won't have to be afraid anymore
The crowd is growing silent with the gathering storm
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
If we say these words it will be too late to take them back
So we hold our breath and fold our hands
Like paper airplanes
(And we're going to crash)
We don't have to be alone
(We don't have to be alone)
Ever again
There's a riot in the theater, someone's standing in the aisles
(Yelling that the nurderers)
Are everywhere and they're lining up
(Carving the 'm' in your side)
Stand alone
(This time)
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
The stage is set to rip the wings from the butterfly
Pull the curtain back
Kill all the houselights
Pin the dress of lotus flowers
The silk is spinning round and around with the ceiling fan
I'm disappearing into the spotlight
I'm on display with the butterfly with smiles
With smiles like picket fences you tie us all up and leave us outside
"That voice is silent now, the boat has sunk"
We're on our own but we're not going to run
Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84
M. Shepard Lyrics as written by Geoffrey Rickly Iii
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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when Thursday played Reading this year Geoff said "This song is for my friend who can't be here today". So although the song obviously draws inspiration from the tragic death of Matthew, it could also be about this friend. Also, Paris In Flames was about the same type of thing...so i think these two songs are very heavily connected because they both seem to be about injustice and standing up for what you believe in.