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've been most unwilling
To see this turmoil of mine
The thought of sitting with this
Has me paralyzed
With this prolonged exposure
To mirror and averted eyes
I've feigned that I've been waiting
Such mileage for empathizing
Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on
When you're not in the room
And though I'd love to blame you for
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you
Oh, thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you for your most generous triggers
It's been all too easy
To cross my arms and roll my eyes
The thought of dropping all arms
Leaves me terrified
And now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on
When you're not in the room
And though I'd love to blame you for
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you
Oh, thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you for your most generous triggers
I'd have to give up knowing
And give up being right
You inadvertent hero
You angel in disguise
Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
And now I know the madness lives on
When you're not in the room
And Though I'd love to blame you for all
I miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you
Oh, thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you for your most generous triggers
To see this turmoil of mine
The thought of sitting with this
Has me paralyzed
With this prolonged exposure
To mirror and averted eyes
I've feigned that I've been waiting
Such mileage for empathizing
Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on
When you're not in the room
And though I'd love to blame you for
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you
Oh, thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you for your most generous triggers
It's been all too easy
To cross my arms and roll my eyes
The thought of dropping all arms
Leaves me terrified
And now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on
When you're not in the room
And though I'd love to blame you for
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you
Oh, thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you for your most generous triggers
I'd have to give up knowing
And give up being right
You inadvertent hero
You angel in disguise
Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
And now I know the madness lives on
When you're not in the room
And Though I'd love to blame you for all
I miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you
Oh, thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you for your most generous triggers
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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”
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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.
After hearing it for the 5667787th time today, I just wanted to add that she has learned more about herself now that he's gone and she thanks him for opening up her eyes and exposing her to herself.