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.
How goes it, soldier
I’m too young to muster
Though I know brown bonnet
Who sweats like a soldier
When her boots come riding
On those nights that seem like the devil is riding
My halo for sabers over his shoulder
And he brings to me the rope and saw
One put to hang in, put one to save in
And how goes it sailor, I’m unwell for sailing
Though I know the captain’s bride
'Cause she comes to me and
She’s handsome and wild as a hawk
And how goes it sister I do hate be bothering
Though I know you hate the fiends
They come to you and they’re bearin’ friendship
No lies could more have been
You come to me and
You’re handsome, you’re wild as a hawk
I’m too young to muster
Though I know brown bonnet
Who sweats like a soldier
When her boots come riding
On those nights that seem like the devil is riding
My halo for sabers over his shoulder
And he brings to me the rope and saw
One put to hang in, put one to save in
And how goes it sailor, I’m unwell for sailing
Though I know the captain’s bride
'Cause she comes to me and
She’s handsome and wild as a hawk
And how goes it sister I do hate be bothering
Though I know you hate the fiends
They come to you and they’re bearin’ friendship
No lies could more have been
You come to me and
You’re handsome, you’re wild as a hawk
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