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.
You can fight the fire that's in your head
Lay it down, the hour has come to end
Walk around without her just for a bit
Looking back upon the way things had been
Man, I've been wasting so much time
Walking the same street every night
Don't you think maybe it's about time?
You can light the fire that's in your head
Put it off, tomorrow will come instead
We don't watch the tower that tells us when
Pull the wicked flower out from its bed
Man's been wasting so much time
Sending the children out to fight
Don't you think maybe it's about time?
Lay it down, the hour has come to end
Walk around without her just for a bit
Looking back upon the way things had been
Man, I've been wasting so much time
Walking the same street every night
Don't you think maybe it's about time?
You can light the fire that's in your head
Put it off, tomorrow will come instead
We don't watch the tower that tells us when
Pull the wicked flower out from its bed
Man's been wasting so much time
Sending the children out to fight
Don't you think maybe it's about time?
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What is the fire in my head? Ambition? Love? Anger?
It sounds like ambition, inspiration IDK, the things you feel deep inside you HAVE to do, because it's your calling in life. Like becoming a musician.<br /> <br /> This was the first that came to my mind when I first listened to this song.
I just listened to this album for the first time and I'm absolutely enamored with their style. I have to agree with spongetastic; the songwriting is so simple, and yet the percussion manages to keep it feeling fresh even through multiple listens through. I'm a big fan so far.
This song was stuck in my head for awhile, and now that i've seen the lyrics i'm sure it will be there much longer.
I think it's obvious that this song is about change, with all the references to time. I think the "fire" represents that transition that occurs internally, whether it's trying to deal with a recent split with your significant other or a split with the way you view yourself. Change usually comes through inner trials (by fire). A wonderful opening song, and a strong message we all can relate to.
I absolutely love the banjo part in this song.
The Dodos have changed the way I understand music. Only now, after listening to them, do I realize that music can be as simple as The Dodos make it. It's simple, but so very good.
Is that Laura Marling singing backing vocals in this song, or just someone who sounds similar to her?
I thought so too, but I looked it up and it's a singer named Laura Gibson:<br /> youtube.com/watch<br /> <br /> Sounds a lot like her though.
I really thought it was laura marling too when I first heard this, tuuuuuune!
I'm with wahoolooze, banjo part is great.
Seeing them tonight. I am absolutely ecstatic!
I love their sound so much.
I agree that this song is about change, but i think it's more focused on war, " Man's been wasting so much time Sending the children out to fight" and other references about the fire in your head (hot headed?)
This song seriously made me ball my eyes out the first time I heard it. Still have no idea why til this day. haha