This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
With those words that I said that I never meant to say
Why can't we put all these tears to bed?
Tonight's the night where everything will fall around you
This house enchanted, velvet carpet sprees
(Your certainty gets the best of me)
(But, it brings out the worst in me)
Your lonely hand did all to toss the key
(It's a sin to let your words caress me)
(So count your blessings, it's already done)
Isn't this the picture perfect moment?
Bottle up my tears in a snapshot motion
Every window is a different story
Shut it then it moves on it like never happened
(And you cut through my heart)
Can't feel the ink on my skin
(And you scratch out my eyes)
Can't fight the tar in my lungs
(This is the last knife you'll ever put into my back)
Can't taste the sugar from the salt on my bones
In a single picture frame, you and I explain
The safety involved in open doors
So record our memories with windshields kissing trees
And know that tonight was worth dying for
Thanks for second guessing, pin this rose on me
(My only friends in this world are strangers)
(They don't know me well enough to put my heart in danger)
Forever is a promise that you could not keep
(Thanks for spreading me a different story)
(A parliament puff covers all of my lies)
I'll burn the letters while you burn our bridges
Sink the ship after you lock me in
So do your best to point the trigger finger
At all my bullet holes and safety pins
(And you cut through my heart)
Can't feel the ink on my skin
(And you scratch out my eyes)
Can't fight the tar in my lungs
(This is the last knife you'll ever put into my back)
Can't taste the sugar from the salt on my bones
In a single picture frame, you and I explain
The safety involved in open doors
So record our memories with windshields kissing trees
And know that tonight was worth dying for
Shaking all night
I'm shaking all night
I hope you saw the light
I hope you saw the light, I
You spend years walking down these aisles
Empty pews never mean so much to you
And I'd like it if you took your time
And I'd like it if you took your chance now
To reach your hand out
I'll reach my hand out
They'll brush in time for you to realize
That empty words can bring all that the world can sing
So I hope that it's all there, waiting for me
Call me something, call me curious
Just so I know you're fine
Just so I know I spoke in time
(My dream came true with ice on all your roads)
(Shhhhh)
Everything that you wanted
You got it without even trying
So let's just play pretend
And you'll have to try to make this work
You know me better than to point the trigger finger
At all my bullet holes and safety pins
You know better than to point your finger at me
Why can't we put all these tears to bed?
Tonight's the night where everything will fall around you
This house enchanted, velvet carpet sprees
(Your certainty gets the best of me)
(But, it brings out the worst in me)
Your lonely hand did all to toss the key
(It's a sin to let your words caress me)
(So count your blessings, it's already done)
Isn't this the picture perfect moment?
Bottle up my tears in a snapshot motion
Every window is a different story
Shut it then it moves on it like never happened
(And you cut through my heart)
Can't feel the ink on my skin
(And you scratch out my eyes)
Can't fight the tar in my lungs
(This is the last knife you'll ever put into my back)
Can't taste the sugar from the salt on my bones
In a single picture frame, you and I explain
The safety involved in open doors
So record our memories with windshields kissing trees
And know that tonight was worth dying for
Thanks for second guessing, pin this rose on me
(My only friends in this world are strangers)
(They don't know me well enough to put my heart in danger)
Forever is a promise that you could not keep
(Thanks for spreading me a different story)
(A parliament puff covers all of my lies)
I'll burn the letters while you burn our bridges
Sink the ship after you lock me in
So do your best to point the trigger finger
At all my bullet holes and safety pins
(And you cut through my heart)
Can't feel the ink on my skin
(And you scratch out my eyes)
Can't fight the tar in my lungs
(This is the last knife you'll ever put into my back)
Can't taste the sugar from the salt on my bones
In a single picture frame, you and I explain
The safety involved in open doors
So record our memories with windshields kissing trees
And know that tonight was worth dying for
Shaking all night
I'm shaking all night
I hope you saw the light
I hope you saw the light, I
You spend years walking down these aisles
Empty pews never mean so much to you
And I'd like it if you took your time
And I'd like it if you took your chance now
To reach your hand out
I'll reach my hand out
They'll brush in time for you to realize
That empty words can bring all that the world can sing
So I hope that it's all there, waiting for me
Call me something, call me curious
Just so I know you're fine
Just so I know I spoke in time
(My dream came true with ice on all your roads)
(Shhhhh)
Everything that you wanted
You got it without even trying
So let's just play pretend
And you'll have to try to make this work
You know me better than to point the trigger finger
At all my bullet holes and safety pins
You know better than to point your finger at me
Lyrics submitted by mkid234
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
i think this song means that he wants he to tell him whats wrong and he wants her to know that he is there for her