Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
I never wanted to admit to this but my love wasn't true
I rescue the lonely because I'm lonely too
And the way you smile the way you laugh
Reminds me of myself
Before I fell apart like a drug infected heart
All along in a city by the sea
Dirty leaves fall around
All alone and suddenly it seems
Dirty leaves fall for you and me
I never wanted your heart to break
But we still knew it would
Impossible to save
But did when I could
I replaced your tears your loneliness with cigarettes and wine
But you needed more and we ran out of time
Now your love is gone
All all alone in the city by the sea
Dirty leaves fall all around
And suddenly it seems
Dirty leaves fall for you and me
And once again I'm torn between saving you or saving me
That's why I begged you not to stay
Any longer than you should
Because I always knew you would
And now it builds more every day
Until you're just an object in my way
Choking on the words I never wanted you to say
All all alone in the city by the sea
Dirty leaves fall all around
And suddenly it seems
Dirty leaves fall for you and me
Lyrics submitted by whereswegoh
Dirty Leaves Lyrics as written by Joby J. Ford James Tweedy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Well, the meaning is obvious. Incredibly beautiful song. How could someone make something this beautiful...? I love his voice. It's such a sad song.
tuuune
To me it sounds like he's in a relationship and things have gone sourand he realizes it's time to get out even though he wants to avoid hard feelings but can't. He realizes that he isn't happy anymore and he no longer feels like himself and knows he has to do what he has to do for it's best for him to leave her and move on. I can really intendify with this song. It almost seems like it was written about me and my ex and the later days of our relationship and our less than friendly breakup.
such a great song! seems like he's been messed up and was with someone, but didn't want it to be too serious but they made it serious so the whole thing went to shit! "choking on the words i never wanted you to say" - can assume those words were "i love you" or similar, and he didn't want that, but he feels bad about having hurt the person. "torn between saving you and saving me" - he could stay out of love with this person and hurt them or allow himself to fall in love but he's worried it will go wrong anyway? "begged you not to stay any longer than you should" - warned them..
that's about it really. x.