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.
You've been picked and it's over
What's the chip on your shoulder?
Outside were solid rainbows
Inside is where the heart grows
Picking up the pieces
Something more to believe in
As you search the embers
Think what you've had, remember
Hang on, no don't you let go now
You know, with every heartbeat, we love
Nothing comes easy
Hang on, ask the lonely
You've got some fascination
With you high expectations
This love is your obsession
Your heart, your past possession
Let down your defenses
Won't be up to the one who cares
As you search the embers
Think what you've had, remember
Hang on, no don't you let go now
You know, with every heartbeat, we love
Nothing comes easy
Hang on, ask the lonely
When you're feeling love's unfair
You just ask the lonely
When you're lost in deep despair
You just ask the lonely
When you're feeling love's unfair
You just ask the lonely
When you're lost in deep despair
You just ask the lonely
When you're feeling love's unfair
You just ask the lonely
When you're lost in deep despair
You just ask the lonely
Ask the lonely
When you're down in deep despair
When you're down in deep despair
Ask the lonely
Lonely
Lonely
What's the chip on your shoulder?
Outside were solid rainbows
Inside is where the heart grows
Picking up the pieces
Something more to believe in
As you search the embers
Think what you've had, remember
Hang on, no don't you let go now
You know, with every heartbeat, we love
Nothing comes easy
Hang on, ask the lonely
You've got some fascination
With you high expectations
This love is your obsession
Your heart, your past possession
Let down your defenses
Won't be up to the one who cares
As you search the embers
Think what you've had, remember
Hang on, no don't you let go now
You know, with every heartbeat, we love
Nothing comes easy
Hang on, ask the lonely
When you're feeling love's unfair
You just ask the lonely
When you're lost in deep despair
You just ask the lonely
When you're feeling love's unfair
You just ask the lonely
When you're lost in deep despair
You just ask the lonely
When you're feeling love's unfair
You just ask the lonely
When you're lost in deep despair
You just ask the lonely
Ask the lonely
When you're down in deep despair
When you're down in deep despair
Ask the lonely
Lonely
Lonely
Lyrics submitted by Lawn_Gnome, edited by SeaVu04090
Ask the Lonely Lyrics as written by Stephen Ray Perry John L Friga
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Steve Perry said that he had a special place in his heart for this song.
I think this song is sung from the singer to a friend. He is giving his friend advice not to leave his wife/girlfriend. He's saying you should hang on to the love you have and talk things over with her. The singer has probably lost a love in the past and is now lonely and alone and he doesn't want the same fate for his friend.
“You've been thinking it's over. What's that chip on your shoulder?” (He thinks his friend wants to part with his girlfriend because he can’t forgive her for something or maybe he’s judged her unfairly.)
“Outside were solid rainbows. Inside is where the heart grows.” (He's telling his friend that he seemed happy with this girl and love is surely there down deep inside.)
“Picking up the pieces: something more to believe in..” (He's saying that when a couple goes through some bad times and works them out, they are stronger afterwards.)
“As you search the embers, think what you had; remember.” (He's giving him advice to think about the love they shared as he tries to see if anything in this relationship is salvageable.)
“Hang on. No, don't let go now. You know, with every heartbeat we love. Nothing comes easy. Hang on. Ask the lonely.” (He’s telling him that relationships require perseverance, work and understanding and that once you love someone you will always love. Don’t break up with her or you will be alone and lonely like I am. Ask me how I feel about losing my love because of my own resistance to accept her faults.)
“You've got some fascination with your high expectations.” (He tells his friend that he is expecting too much of his girlfriend. No one’s perfect. Be more understanding; be forgiving.)
“This love is your obsession; your heart, your prized possession.” (He thinks that his friend actually loves the girl but he is unwilling to really give himself to her.)
“Let down your defenses. Open up to the one who cares.” (He’s giving his friend advice to open up to his girlfriend and learn to love and be loved.)
“When you’re feeling love’s unfair, you just ask the lonely. When you’re lost in deep despair, you just ask the lonely.” (Again, he’s telling his friend that he is going to lose the best thing that ever happened to him if he doesn’t watch out. He knows, because it happened to him and now he’s alone and lonely.)
@JeanLizzie Great interpretation!!