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.
Pretty girls
You're too good for this
How you break my heart
In this cold waiting room
Oh my pretty girls
You're too good for this
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
Don't let them break your hearts too
The TV is blaring and angry
As if you don't know why you're here
Those who walk without sin are so hungry
Don't let the wolves in pretty girls
Your hearts are so tried and so innocent
Wind your flimsy blue gowns tight around you
Around curves so comely and sinister
They blame it on you pretty girls
Oh pretty girls
You're too good for this
How you break my heart
In this cold waiting room
Oh my pretty girls
You're too good for this
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
Don't let them break your hearts too
My girls you're just like the heavens
Not a soul to take your hand in theirs
Your tears and wild constellations
Broad limbs and hard folding chairs
But there's millions to count you and keep you
And lovers that don't understand
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
'Cause you'll change the world pretty girls
Come chain yourself 'round my ankle
You'll see the world like a bird
Diving down low
Flying up high
Through all of these saccharine gutters
We'll ride and I
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
You're too good for this
How you break my heart
In this cold waiting room
Oh my pretty girls
You're too good for this
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
Don't let them break your hearts too
The TV is blaring and angry
As if you don't know why you're here
Those who walk without sin are so hungry
Don't let the wolves in pretty girls
Your hearts are so tried and so innocent
Wind your flimsy blue gowns tight around you
Around curves so comely and sinister
They blame it on you pretty girls
Oh pretty girls
You're too good for this
How you break my heart
In this cold waiting room
Oh my pretty girls
You're too good for this
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
Don't let them break your hearts too
My girls you're just like the heavens
Not a soul to take your hand in theirs
Your tears and wild constellations
Broad limbs and hard folding chairs
But there's millions to count you and keep you
And lovers that don't understand
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
'Cause you'll change the world pretty girls
Come chain yourself 'round my ankle
You'll see the world like a bird
Diving down low
Flying up high
Through all of these saccharine gutters
We'll ride and I
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Lyrics submitted by _scandalous
Pretty Girls Lyrics as written by Tom Ray Neko Case
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I'd agree with Peaches, and add about the TV verse -- I don't know if this is NC's intention, but I think that if there's a cultural culprit, it's the media (TV), and in particular the advertising that is constantly telling young girls they're not enough as they are, that their greatest commodity is their looks, and that being found attractive on the outside is the most important thing. The "blaring and angry" TV reminds them that they're not good enough, "as if [they] don't know" what's missing -- the lesson has been pounded in until it's second nature. And the logical conclusion must be that if you're not a superstar like girl X in the commercial, then it's your own fault and you should feel guilty. Guilt, of course, is the point, because if it's your fault, then you can do something about it, like buy those beauty products and those clothes! But the brains behind those TV jingles and enticing images never show themselves -- instead they hide behind the screen, immune to their own hypnotic spells, refusing to take responsibility for the influence they hold over young minds and emotions. "Those without sin" can then sit above it all, living vicariously, and then judge harshly while their victims suffer the consequences. Anyway, diatribe over, and now I have to work out just who and where is this person that says, "Come chain yourself from my ankles"? Ankles? A girl who died on the abortion table? Or is my imagination just a little too worked up at the moment?