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'll dust my broom in the morning
And put on a jacket of steel
Cause things they come without warning
And you never know what is and isn't real
I gave my girl a locket
Along with my undying love
She sailed away with a man in a rocket
Now she's flying somewhere up above
I try and try to be upright
I try to live by my word
But the clowns are running the big-top
And the circus is getting' absurd
I lost my wheels playing poker
But the game was rigged, it was jive
And there was nothin I could say about it
If I wanted to leave there alive
Give me cold well water when I'm thirsty
I'm staying way from whisky and wine
Cause I'm the one who mainly can hurt me
And when my head is on straight I do fine
Well the ground underneath, is shiftin'
And the people standin' on it, they're shifty too
And honesty is on the ocean somewhere driftin'
And truth, well, she's way out of view
So all you ladies and gentlemen
Who believe that you've got yourself secure
As one last point I will tell you, then
The devil's got his shadow on your door
And put on a jacket of steel
Cause things they come without warning
And you never know what is and isn't real
I gave my girl a locket
Along with my undying love
She sailed away with a man in a rocket
Now she's flying somewhere up above
I try and try to be upright
I try to live by my word
But the clowns are running the big-top
And the circus is getting' absurd
I lost my wheels playing poker
But the game was rigged, it was jive
And there was nothin I could say about it
If I wanted to leave there alive
Give me cold well water when I'm thirsty
I'm staying way from whisky and wine
Cause I'm the one who mainly can hurt me
And when my head is on straight I do fine
Well the ground underneath, is shiftin'
And the people standin' on it, they're shifty too
And honesty is on the ocean somewhere driftin'
And truth, well, she's way out of view
So all you ladies and gentlemen
Who believe that you've got yourself secure
As one last point I will tell you, then
The devil's got his shadow on your door
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