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.
Don't hang your head low 'cause I can't see your face
In your reflection I see your beauty and grace
And when the light shines bright to show you your way do not be weary
Don't turn your head away
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Your soul is aching and it's dying to be heard
This might be painful but consider the worth
And when you feel like there's nobody on your side
They will embrace you with a radiant smile
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
So you want to give up and you can't find the strength
I believe that you will make it in the end
So you want to stare back and you want to retreat
I believe that there ain't nothing you can't be
Nothing you can't be
Don't feel so naked
I am the blanket of hope
Your words are life rafts and they keep us afloat
And when this long painful journey comes to an end
They will be touched by the message
The message you've sent
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
In your reflection I see your beauty and grace
And when the light shines bright to show you your way do not be weary
Don't turn your head away
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Your soul is aching and it's dying to be heard
This might be painful but consider the worth
And when you feel like there's nobody on your side
They will embrace you with a radiant smile
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
So you want to give up and you can't find the strength
I believe that you will make it in the end
So you want to stare back and you want to retreat
I believe that there ain't nothing you can't be
Nothing you can't be
Don't feel so naked
I am the blanket of hope
Your words are life rafts and they keep us afloat
And when this long painful journey comes to an end
They will be touched by the message
The message you've sent
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Lyrics submitted by gaylordmfocker
Go On My Child Lyrics as written by Michelle Featherstone
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In a nutshell, I think it's about believing in someone when they don't quite believe in themself. "I believe that there ain't nothing you can't be, nothing you can't be." Knowing that they have something good to offer if they can find the strength to take a chance and put themself out there -and you will be there to support them.
I always thought this was about Christ. I'm not religious or anything but it just seems to fit eg. just sitting there revealing his life, being passive even to those who mean him harm, and the bit about his words being liferafts. Maybe, I dunno. Just seems to fit. Wonderful song at any rate.
I think that this song is about giving someone the strength to make it through even when everyone else says they won't. Very beautiful song