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.
What does this ship bring to me
Far across the restless sea
Waiting for the sirens' call
I've never seen it here before
There she plies a lonely trade
Cutting through the breaking waves
Drifting slowly from her course
She is lost forever more
We all want some kind of love
But sometimes it's not enough
To the wall and through the door
With a stranger on the shore
I won't desert you
I don't know what to say
I really hurt you
I nearly gave it all away
I've got it all wrong
Cause you were not the wrong one
And I don't know where to turn when you're gone
When you're gone
Gotta catch the midnight train
First to Paris then to Spain
Travel with a document
All across the continent
City life is flying by
The wheels are turning all the while
Get on board we can't be late
Our destination cannot wait
All the stars and all the worlds
Filling up this universe
Could never be as close as us
Will never shine as bright on us
I won't desert you
I don't know what to say
I really hurt you
I nearly gave it all away
I've got it all wrong
Cause you were not the wrong one
And I don't know where to turn when you're gone
When you're gone
I won't desert you
I don't know what to say
I really hurt you
I nearly gave it all away
I've got it all wrong
Cause you were not the wrong one
And I don't know where to turn when you're gone
How many times must I lose my way, hey
How many words do I have to say, hey
What can I do just to make you see
That you're so good for a man like
A man like me
Far across the restless sea
Waiting for the sirens' call
I've never seen it here before
There she plies a lonely trade
Cutting through the breaking waves
Drifting slowly from her course
She is lost forever more
We all want some kind of love
But sometimes it's not enough
To the wall and through the door
With a stranger on the shore
I won't desert you
I don't know what to say
I really hurt you
I nearly gave it all away
I've got it all wrong
Cause you were not the wrong one
And I don't know where to turn when you're gone
When you're gone
Gotta catch the midnight train
First to Paris then to Spain
Travel with a document
All across the continent
City life is flying by
The wheels are turning all the while
Get on board we can't be late
Our destination cannot wait
All the stars and all the worlds
Filling up this universe
Could never be as close as us
Will never shine as bright on us
I won't desert you
I don't know what to say
I really hurt you
I nearly gave it all away
I've got it all wrong
Cause you were not the wrong one
And I don't know where to turn when you're gone
When you're gone
I won't desert you
I don't know what to say
I really hurt you
I nearly gave it all away
I've got it all wrong
Cause you were not the wrong one
And I don't know where to turn when you're gone
How many times must I lose my way, hey
How many words do I have to say, hey
What can I do just to make you see
That you're so good for a man like
A man like me
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Great version of a great song,
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I love this one too. It seems to me that it's talking about a relationship that someone decided to end, then realising how much he misses her and is trying to reclaim her love. As in the chorus part, "I've got it all wrong, Cause you were not the wrong one, And I don't know where to turn when you're gone". I'm not sure about some of the earlier verses though.
By far and away my favourite part though is the very last few lines, followed by the guitar riffs. Such a great ending for a great song.