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.
I wrote a protest song about you, about you
Set off on a long march without you, without you x2
I wrote a protest song about you, about you
About whats left that lies between us, I'm walking
So many things we're burning for
I set myself on fire without you, without you
I wrote a song about you, about you
That not a soul was meant to hear, except you
I wrote a protest song about you, about you
I cheated gravity to chase you, to chase you
And through the burning space between us, you're falling
You have a long way, long way to fall
I set myself on fire without you
I wrote a song about you, about you
That not a soul was meant to hear, except you
So many things we're burning for (Repeat 7X)
Set off on a long march without you, without you x2
I wrote a protest song about you, about you
About whats left that lies between us, I'm walking
So many things we're burning for
I set myself on fire without you, without you
I wrote a song about you, about you
That not a soul was meant to hear, except you
I wrote a protest song about you, about you
I cheated gravity to chase you, to chase you
And through the burning space between us, you're falling
You have a long way, long way to fall
I set myself on fire without you
I wrote a song about you, about you
That not a soul was meant to hear, except you
So many things we're burning for (Repeat 7X)
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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”
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
First of all I'm pretty sure the first line is "I wrote, I wrote a song about you, about you" not a "protest song"
This song is deff. about a relationship that has ended ubruptly. The speaker has extrememely bitter feelings towards their past partner and is walking away from them. This song is pretty much the "cold shoulder" put into lyrics.
As far as the "I'll set myself on fire without you" I believe this simply means the speaker is ready to take risks without their previous partner.
the line is 100% "I wrote a protest song ..." that is for sure.
It sounds more like he (for sake of argument, he, could be she) left her, and she is furious. Long marches and setting yourself on fire are forms of protest, and protests are done because you're angry about someone/thing. Cheating gravity suggests to me he swept her off her feet, and the burning space between them suggests he dumped her abruptly and she is really mad. You would think they both would have a long way to fall, but she specifically calls out that he has a long way to fall, suggesting she will be mad for a long time.<br /> <br /> As for the last lyric (so many things worth burning for), I'm not so sure - it could mean it was worth it and that she would get back together in a heartbeat, or it could mean he was a waste of time and there are many other things worth being mad about. Maybe both.