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 let the record label take you out to lunch,
you're the one that's got to pay at the end of the day.
And try not to want people to like you too much,
you'll just need more and more flattery to recharge your batteries.
And don't let showmanship become more important than honesty,
if you don't want to be so many things you see.
You don't have to act crazy to do something amazing,
you can be just like you should and still do something really good.
And even when you know there's nobody listening,
say it to yourself because it's good to your health.
I know nothing makes sense if you think too much,
religion, a pigeon, radios and television.
Though it takes so much strength just not to suck,
and not to be a cynic but defer another gimmick.
But you are distraught at the thought of losing everything again,
and they say it's not the way you play the game but if you win.
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
because every sip of soup is going to get recouped.
And you get a good review and then you get a bad review,
but don't get suckered either way because none of them know you.
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
because they'll call you a cab and put it on your tab.
I'm leaving town for a while but I'll be in touch,
one thing that I know is true is that I got a lot to do.
And that it takes big heart to make great great art,
and I'm just a little dot in the great big pot.
But now that I have started and it's hard to stop,
I'm wondering at night about the wrong and right.
And is someone your savior if you owe them back a favor,
no they are not, so there's only one choice that you got.
Don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
though the fishes look delicious someone's got to do the dishes.
People might say you're insane or just looking to complain.
And you need them the more than they need you,
so don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Everyone has been fair and nice and you consider them a friend,
but everything still has a pricing you don't want to overspend.
Because it's your wallets and your soul when the check comes in the end,
no matter what the situation or if you love your occupation,
I will move off on the hors d'oeuvres, it is not what I'm in it for,
I only want what I deserve, I want no less, I want no more.
you're the one that's got to pay at the end of the day.
And try not to want people to like you too much,
you'll just need more and more flattery to recharge your batteries.
And don't let showmanship become more important than honesty,
if you don't want to be so many things you see.
You don't have to act crazy to do something amazing,
you can be just like you should and still do something really good.
And even when you know there's nobody listening,
say it to yourself because it's good to your health.
I know nothing makes sense if you think too much,
religion, a pigeon, radios and television.
Though it takes so much strength just not to suck,
and not to be a cynic but defer another gimmick.
But you are distraught at the thought of losing everything again,
and they say it's not the way you play the game but if you win.
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
because every sip of soup is going to get recouped.
And you get a good review and then you get a bad review,
but don't get suckered either way because none of them know you.
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
because they'll call you a cab and put it on your tab.
I'm leaving town for a while but I'll be in touch,
one thing that I know is true is that I got a lot to do.
And that it takes big heart to make great great art,
and I'm just a little dot in the great big pot.
But now that I have started and it's hard to stop,
I'm wondering at night about the wrong and right.
And is someone your savior if you owe them back a favor,
no they are not, so there's only one choice that you got.
Don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
though the fishes look delicious someone's got to do the dishes.
People might say you're insane or just looking to complain.
And you need them the more than they need you,
so don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Everyone has been fair and nice and you consider them a friend,
but everything still has a pricing you don't want to overspend.
Because it's your wallets and your soul when the check comes in the end,
no matter what the situation or if you love your occupation,
I will move off on the hors d'oeuvres, it is not what I'm in it for,
I only want what I deserve, I want no less, I want no more.
Lyrics submitted by interioreyecast
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It's also about not sacrificing your artistic integrity to make money. Too many people in the music industry and the media do that already.
There's one caveat though, like Jeff says: you need them more than they need you.