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 might as well be a Japanese exchange student
Cause' people wouldn't know me, right when I show up
But then the thrill wears off, and then I'm alone
Until Beyonce rolls through town,
And I think that I can call and score a ticket
When I can't.
Cause' I don't know her, like you don't know me
It's a lonely world when it's all that you see
It doesn't matter if I got a good heart in me
This gets lonely.
I might as well be a Japanese exchange student
Cause' people wouldn't know me, right when I show up
But then the thrill wears off, and then I'm alone
Until Paul McCartney rolls through town,
And I think that I can get in on the guest list,
When I can't.
Cause' I don't know him like you don't know me.
It's a lonely thing when it's all that you see.
It doesn't matter if I got a good heart in me.
This gets lonely.
Last year I got the cover,
My phone wouldn't stop ringing and ringing.
They called in on my mother and that is saying something
Well maybe it's been quiet, my phone just picks up dust
Cause' it's all about who you know,
And not about if you really know anyone.
So, hey, be nice to the Japanese exchange students,
Cause' people wouldn't know them, right when they show up,
And they have found yourself in a similar place
Where you found you looked around and just saw loads of empty space.
And you were thinking how you don't know them,
Like they don't know you.
It's a lonely feeling after all that you do.
Got a good heart, got a good soul, what must I do to prove it anymore?
I got friends in high and low places,
And it's all the same to me.
I love the Japanese, I love the Japanese,
Those from Japan and overseas.
I love the Japanese, do you love the Japanese?
Those from Japan and overseas,
Those from Japan and overseas, like me.
Cause' people wouldn't know me, right when I show up
But then the thrill wears off, and then I'm alone
Until Beyonce rolls through town,
And I think that I can call and score a ticket
When I can't.
Cause' I don't know her, like you don't know me
It's a lonely world when it's all that you see
It doesn't matter if I got a good heart in me
This gets lonely.
I might as well be a Japanese exchange student
Cause' people wouldn't know me, right when I show up
But then the thrill wears off, and then I'm alone
Until Paul McCartney rolls through town,
And I think that I can get in on the guest list,
When I can't.
Cause' I don't know him like you don't know me.
It's a lonely thing when it's all that you see.
It doesn't matter if I got a good heart in me.
This gets lonely.
Last year I got the cover,
My phone wouldn't stop ringing and ringing.
They called in on my mother and that is saying something
Well maybe it's been quiet, my phone just picks up dust
Cause' it's all about who you know,
And not about if you really know anyone.
So, hey, be nice to the Japanese exchange students,
Cause' people wouldn't know them, right when they show up,
And they have found yourself in a similar place
Where you found you looked around and just saw loads of empty space.
And you were thinking how you don't know them,
Like they don't know you.
It's a lonely feeling after all that you do.
Got a good heart, got a good soul, what must I do to prove it anymore?
I got friends in high and low places,
And it's all the same to me.
I love the Japanese, I love the Japanese,
Those from Japan and overseas.
I love the Japanese, do you love the Japanese?
Those from Japan and overseas,
Those from Japan and overseas, like me.
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Definitely not the strongest TRS lyrics on the album, or ever actually, but the melodies are good and the musical aspect of the song are good. I feel as though he rushed the writing of this song, but who knows, it might have some personal effect on him.
Agree with everyone as to the meaning. Everyone feels liked and wanted when the're new but then the people surrounding them fade away and loneliness comes. Pretty much advises at the end not to treat people like a product or just as some sort of new toy, but get to know and understand every individual for what they have to offer. Great meaning behind the song, not his best writing.