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.
If knee-deep in cat nip
At the old icebox
I recommend you whistle
And give the box three knocks
Should you be so lucky
To hear whisperin'
It is an invitation
For you to leap in
May you go marching in three measure time
Dressed up as asses, drunk to the nines
Swing from the rafters
Shouting those songs
Gone unsung for far too long
If boxing your shadow
At the wall full of moss
And antlers approach you
Then I am at a loss
May you go marching in three measure time
Dressed up as asses, drunk to the nines
Swing from the rafters
Shouting those songs
Gone unsung for far too long
Drink to the dead all you still alive
We shall join them in good time
Should you go crossin' that silvery brook
It's best to leap before you look
Surrounded by toadstools
At the old green glen
I'm afraid there is little
That I can recommend
Save all of your courage
And sincere prayer
And where you go-a treadin'
Take the utmost care
So let us
Drink to the dead all you still alive
We shall join them in good time
Should you go crossin' that silvery brook
It's best to leap before you look
At the old icebox
I recommend you whistle
And give the box three knocks
Should you be so lucky
To hear whisperin'
It is an invitation
For you to leap in
May you go marching in three measure time
Dressed up as asses, drunk to the nines
Swing from the rafters
Shouting those songs
Gone unsung for far too long
If boxing your shadow
At the wall full of moss
And antlers approach you
Then I am at a loss
May you go marching in three measure time
Dressed up as asses, drunk to the nines
Swing from the rafters
Shouting those songs
Gone unsung for far too long
Drink to the dead all you still alive
We shall join them in good time
Should you go crossin' that silvery brook
It's best to leap before you look
Surrounded by toadstools
At the old green glen
I'm afraid there is little
That I can recommend
Save all of your courage
And sincere prayer
And where you go-a treadin'
Take the utmost care
So let us
Drink to the dead all you still alive
We shall join them in good time
Should you go crossin' that silvery brook
It's best to leap before you look
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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It's filled with obscure Irish folklore references, and I saw these listed on another lyrics site, but that was so many years ago that I don't remember.