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.
The unknown distance to the great beyond
Stares back at my grieving frame
To cast my shadow by the holy sun
My spirit moans with a sacred pain
And it's quiet now
The universe is standing still
[Chorus]
There's nothing I can say
There's nothing we can do now
There's nothing I can say
There's nothing we can do now
And all that stands between the souls release
This temporary flesh and bone
We know that it's over now
I feel my faded mind begin to roam
Every time you fall
And every time you try
Every foolish dream
And every compromise
Every word you spoke
And everything you said
Everything you left me, rambles in my head
[Chorus]
Up above the world so high
And everything you loved
And every time you try
Everybody's watching
Everybody cry
Stay, don't leave me
The stars can't for your sign
Don't signal now
[Chorus]
Goodnight, travel well
Goodnight, travel well
And there's nothing I can say
There's nothing I can do now
Stares back at my grieving frame
To cast my shadow by the holy sun
My spirit moans with a sacred pain
And it's quiet now
The universe is standing still
[Chorus]
There's nothing I can say
There's nothing we can do now
There's nothing I can say
There's nothing we can do now
And all that stands between the souls release
This temporary flesh and bone
We know that it's over now
I feel my faded mind begin to roam
Every time you fall
And every time you try
Every foolish dream
And every compromise
Every word you spoke
And everything you said
Everything you left me, rambles in my head
[Chorus]
Up above the world so high
And everything you loved
And every time you try
Everybody's watching
Everybody cry
Stay, don't leave me
The stars can't for your sign
Don't signal now
[Chorus]
Goodnight, travel well
Goodnight, travel well
And there's nothing I can say
There's nothing I can do now
Lyrics submitted by jeremygrim
Goodnight, Travel Well Lyrics as written by Dave Brent Keuning Brandon Flowers
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song is so well written! I am a BIG fan of the band and listened to this CD a lot during the spring/summer of 2009. I knew I liked the song but didn't fully pay attention to the lyrics until my grandmother passed away that October. There are times when I torture myself and listen to it over and over and never once have NOT shed a tear. It feels like I am still trying to accept the fact that she is gone and am searching for the answers in the lyrics to this song.
Stay don't leave me The stars can wait for your sign don't signal now...
My grandmother died alone during the night. I knew how sick she was but did not realize that the end was so close. I wish she could have not "signaled" so that I could have had one last visit with her. I would have given anything to have been holding her hand when she passed.
Every word you spoke Everything you said Everything you left me rambles in my head...
I try desperately to remember everything she taught me and the times we shared together. You see, I was born on her birthday and we shared a special bond like no other bond I have ever experienced or will ever experience in this lifetime. I have the last roll of film from her camera in my purse. On that roll of film there is the last picture ever taken of her with my, at the time 2 1/2 month old, son. I guess I am not developing it because once I see the pictures there will be no more.
Every time you fought Every time you tried...
My grandmother battled thyroid cancer since 1991 and was successful for 18 years. We traveled regularly to a hospital over an hour away and she fought the disease with everything she had until, I think, she got too week and tired to fight. She had a true love of life.
As the song picks up toward the end I think it is expressing the feelings of those left behind. Helpless and realizing that all they can do is wish the departed well as they begin their journey into the unknown.
The end of the song reminds me of a heartbeat slowly fading into nothing.
After this song I have an even greater appreciation of the band. This song had to have been written by someone who has gone through the same experience as I have. For those of you who disagree maybe you have not lost that special someone. If so, I am truly happy for you and my advice to you is enjoy every second that their flesh and bone is still here to enjoy. May God Bless!