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.
Your bearings are shot
And your car don't work
Like she used to
Your friends don't call
And they don't even bother
With offering excuses
The t.v is on
But it's always on
So it's useless
It's just the awful news
And the sorry truth
That we're definitely sinking
so I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you
You'll just hurt your chest
And your face'll turn bright blue
This is how it's gonna be
This is how it's gonna be
This is how it'll be
And there's nothing that we can do
And if you start believing that
I'll stop holding my breath too
you've been praying for change
But you ain't been to church since the 10th grade
And you cry at your job
Don't believe in your vote
And never celebrate your birthday
So you set up a dinner
To make you feel less desperate and worthless
But your dad gets drunk
So your mom throws a fit
While your man hits on the waitress
so I wouldn't waste my time if I were you
You'll just snap your spine
I'll just strip away your youth
This is how it's gonna be
This is how it's gonna be
This how this'll be
And there's nothing we can do
Yeah and if you start believing that
I'll stop wasting my time too
Yeah and if you start believing that
I'll stop wasting my time too
'Cause you're my incentive
And if you go, I'll go too
And your car don't work
Like she used to
Your friends don't call
And they don't even bother
With offering excuses
The t.v is on
But it's always on
So it's useless
It's just the awful news
And the sorry truth
That we're definitely sinking
so I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you
You'll just hurt your chest
And your face'll turn bright blue
This is how it's gonna be
This is how it's gonna be
This is how it'll be
And there's nothing that we can do
And if you start believing that
I'll stop holding my breath too
you've been praying for change
But you ain't been to church since the 10th grade
And you cry at your job
Don't believe in your vote
And never celebrate your birthday
So you set up a dinner
To make you feel less desperate and worthless
But your dad gets drunk
So your mom throws a fit
While your man hits on the waitress
so I wouldn't waste my time if I were you
You'll just snap your spine
I'll just strip away your youth
This is how it's gonna be
This is how it's gonna be
This how this'll be
And there's nothing we can do
Yeah and if you start believing that
I'll stop wasting my time too
Yeah and if you start believing that
I'll stop wasting my time too
'Cause you're my incentive
And if you go, I'll go too
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
"you've been praying for change but you ain't been to church since the 10th grade and you cry at your job don't believe in your vote" I think the meaning behind this song is if you want something to change you have to actually make it happen, not just sit back and wait for it to.
" you've been praying for change but you ain't been to church since the 10th grade and you cry at your job don't believe in your vote and never celebrate your birthday so you set up a dinner to make you feel less desperate and worthless but your dad gets drunk so your mom throws a fit while your man hits on the waitress"
is also my favorite verse. haha that girl has the worst luck.
basically i think kevin is realizing that this girl is a little hopeless, but he is really pulling for her and maybe even sees a bit of himself and her, thus "and if you go, i go too"..something is telling him that this is worth exploring.
he is fantastic, i just met him over the weekend and i was completely star struck :-D