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 dreaming of sailing away
I'll build a boat out of paper-mâché
No belongings of any concern
I will be gone long before you will return
How can you try to hold on to
Names unequipped with a face
Look closely behind the ones in your mind
And safely beside the one that your heart believes
You're breathing life into brown paper bags
You set one down, so I took a drag
I can feel you in my lungs
Think my heart might jump the gun
Who would you like to hold on to
And who would you like to erase
Cause I can't decide, my heart and my mind
They don't think straight, they don't think straight
We've been very obsessed with the time
Picking the the scabs that have grown from our minds
The world is a wonderful place
I wish I were there, I just can't get excited about space
[yelling]
We've been so damn obsessed with the time
Picking the the scabs that have grown from our minds
The world is a wonderful place
I wish I were there, I just can't get excited about space
Can't get excited about space
Now who would you like to hold on to
And who would you like to erase
I'll build a boat out of paper-mâché
No belongings of any concern
I will be gone long before you will return
How can you try to hold on to
Names unequipped with a face
Look closely behind the ones in your mind
And safely beside the one that your heart believes
You're breathing life into brown paper bags
You set one down, so I took a drag
I can feel you in my lungs
Think my heart might jump the gun
Who would you like to hold on to
And who would you like to erase
Cause I can't decide, my heart and my mind
They don't think straight, they don't think straight
We've been very obsessed with the time
Picking the the scabs that have grown from our minds
The world is a wonderful place
I wish I were there, I just can't get excited about space
[yelling]
We've been so damn obsessed with the time
Picking the the scabs that have grown from our minds
The world is a wonderful place
I wish I were there, I just can't get excited about space
Can't get excited about space
Now who would you like to hold on to
And who would you like to erase
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
first aid thats why these guys are so bad ass! you CAN and absolutely should go deep with their lyrics. its such a sick song. powerful, intense, and whether or not im feeling what they want me too, i get chills every time i listen to it. i personally take this as a song about depression and moving on and talking yourself out of it. moving past the destructive thought patterns/relationships that we want to hold onto but cling too thinking they define us or make us better.
Although I get the whole relationship vibe, I believe this theory is a bit more spot on. As a rather depressed individual, I can definitely relate to some of the thought processes that this song tries to portray. Especially in the part where he's yelling, "We've been so damn obsessed with the time...I wish I were there, I just can't get excited about space"