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.
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Won't you listen to me
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Won't you listen to me
Big brother's watching, we watch him back
We see right through his disguise
He tries to scare us, with angry words
But we all know that they're lies
Whole world is waiting
Just see the fear in their eyes
Whole world is watching, observing every move
Is it beginning or the end?
Just like a chess game, but so intense
That I just don't understand
Anticipation
It's much to big to pretend
CHORUS
(Wake up), it's 1984
(Wake up), but we've been here before
(Wake up), it's 1984
(Wake up), but we've been here before, (here before)
Big brother's screaming but we don't care
Cause he's got nothing to say
Think of the future, think of the prophecy
Think of the children of today
Big brother's marching
So we all stand in his way
Open your eyes, sisters and brothers
Neatly disguised, so far away
Open your heart, try to remember
Two worlds apart, but so close
(Wake up), it's 1984
But we've been here before
(Wake up), it's 1984
But we've been here before
All our lives leading up to this day, watching and waiting
Wake up! Wake up!
Wake up! Wake up!
Open your eyes, sisters and brothers
Neatly disguised, so far away
Open your heart, try to remember
Two worlds apart, but so close
CHORUS
Whole world is watching
Anticipating
Big brother's marching
Is it beginning or the end?
CHORUS
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Won't you listen to me
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Wake up! won't you listen to me
Won't you listen to me
Big brother's watching, we watch him back
We see right through his disguise
He tries to scare us, with angry words
But we all know that they're lies
Whole world is waiting
Just see the fear in their eyes
Whole world is watching, observing every move
Is it beginning or the end?
Just like a chess game, but so intense
That I just don't understand
Anticipation
It's much to big to pretend
CHORUS
(Wake up), it's 1984
(Wake up), but we've been here before
(Wake up), it's 1984
(Wake up), but we've been here before, (here before)
Big brother's screaming but we don't care
Cause he's got nothing to say
Think of the future, think of the prophecy
Think of the children of today
Big brother's marching
So we all stand in his way
Open your eyes, sisters and brothers
Neatly disguised, so far away
Open your heart, try to remember
Two worlds apart, but so close
(Wake up), it's 1984
But we've been here before
(Wake up), it's 1984
But we've been here before
All our lives leading up to this day, watching and waiting
Wake up! Wake up!
Wake up! Wake up!
Open your eyes, sisters and brothers
Neatly disguised, so far away
Open your heart, try to remember
Two worlds apart, but so close
CHORUS
Whole world is watching
Anticipating
Big brother's marching
Is it beginning or the end?
CHORUS
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its about 1984... not much else to say. good song
Great song!. The horns are AWESOME!