Now heaven knows I've got one short damn fuse
So come sit down a spell while I light up the room
If walls could talk, they'd be know-it-all's
So we live in the sticks, and aren't some fish you can catch

And it makes my skin crawl
I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, so what's the use?
And she knew, she knew...

He fights like hell because he wants to glow
And would tackle the sun to be a bright bulb
I wonder if he'll wake us up in time?

He's gray
And has to hide somewhere in between black and white
Cause it's safe
But never was brave before it's over
I hope he takes you too

They say attack can be your best defense
And I've got mother's smile, both my dad's fists
John Doe escapes, carry his name
And when it's time to sign, ask where; not why

And it makes my blood boil
Those black letter days, all their mail just winds up lost

He's gray
And has to hide somewhere in between black and white
Cause it's safe
But never was brave before it's over
I hope he takes you too

You'll see whispers in the winter
My temper doesn't laugh

And every spring, I hear them sing, I hear them sing
(Oooh-oooh-oooh-oooh-oooh-oooh-oooh)
Every spring, I hear them sing, I hear them sing
Every spring, I hear them sing

If he's going down
If he's going under the ground
I hope he takes you too

Whoa, whoa, whoa

I hope he takes you too


Lyrics submitted by christsizeshoes

Bright Bulbs and Sharp Tools song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

10 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    I think that the beginning is "god" or like the creator or whatever's in your head just sick and tired of people getting scared all the time. The verses, well they are just a series of metaphors about making a clear decision. Even when you don't know you don't take chances and just hide in the gray because your so scared of being wrong. So just make a decision and take risks. I love the song. Where the fuck did someone get alcohol??!!! Where did that come from??

    conleyrasoron July 15, 2011   Link

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

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.