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.
I'm sick of working for a living
I'm just ticking off the days 'til I die
I miss you Louise
And the sickest little pleasures keep me going in between pulling teeth
Periscope up
I've been looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
But the leaders of the free world
Are just little boys throwing stones
And it's easy to ignore 'til they're knocking on the door of your homes
My thinking isn't driven
But the music always gives me a lift
I'm so easy to please
But I think we dropped the baton like the 60's didn't happen. Oh no.
Periscope up
Should be looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
Passing the gun from father to feckless son
We're climbing a landslide where only the good die young
I'm just ticking off the days 'til I die
I miss you Louise
And the sickest little pleasures keep me going in between pulling teeth
Periscope up
I've been looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
But the leaders of the free world
Are just little boys throwing stones
And it's easy to ignore 'til they're knocking on the door of your homes
My thinking isn't driven
But the music always gives me a lift
I'm so easy to please
But I think we dropped the baton like the 60's didn't happen. Oh no.
Periscope up
Should be looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
Passing the gun from father to feckless son
We're climbing a landslide where only the good die young
Lyrics submitted by Leif_Erikson
Leaders of the Free World Lyrics as written by Richard Barry Jupp Peter James Turner
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think the "Passing the gun from Father to Feckless son" is in reference to Bush Sr and Bush Jr.... terrorists in their own rights.