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.
Before the earth was round
There was no end to things
And no one tried to measure what they knew
Everything was warm
And everyone was loved
And every contradiction was true
The sun was twice as hot
The moon was twice as far
And the sky was still honestly blue
The sky was still honestly blue
But when the time came
Everything spiraled in
And everyone forgot what they knew
War became a job
And love became a mystery
And heart and head were split into two
Fear and doubt began
And God threw up his hands
And the sky didn't know what to do
The sky didn't know what to do
The sky didn't know what to do
There was no end to things
And no one tried to measure what they knew
Everything was warm
And everyone was loved
And every contradiction was true
The sun was twice as hot
The moon was twice as far
And the sky was still honestly blue
The sky was still honestly blue
But when the time came
Everything spiraled in
And everyone forgot what they knew
War became a job
And love became a mystery
And heart and head were split into two
Fear and doubt began
And God threw up his hands
And the sky didn't know what to do
The sky didn't know what to do
The sky didn't know what to do
Lyrics submitted by StickstoMagnet, edited by pviddy
Before the Earth Was Round Lyrics as written by Damian Kulash
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
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The earth became round when Columbus discovered America. This song is about the native Americans and the world before the ensuing industrial revolution. The laws of nature were true, assuming they survived, everything was free to live and love: everything was war yet everyone would love.
That was soon replaced with war and the modern version of "love" that is so mysterious we have to seek couples counseling.
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