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.
There's a laddered tear in my high ideals
Like I took a chair on the battle field
And any noble fire that was burning in my chest
Is acid in my belt at the very best
There's a bayonet in my family things
It was made in the USA to defend the king
And though the sinew that thrust
And all the bones it splintered are dust
It's passed from hand to hand
With the wedding rings
Oh settle down little heart of mine
Oh settle down you're doing double time
You're so far away and she's right there
By your side
Oh settle down little heart of mine
Like I took a chair on the battle field
And any noble fire that was burning in my chest
Is acid in my belt at the very best
There's a bayonet in my family things
It was made in the USA to defend the king
And though the sinew that thrust
And all the bones it splintered are dust
It's passed from hand to hand
With the wedding rings
Oh settle down little heart of mine
Oh settle down you're doing double time
You're so far away and she's right there
By your side
Oh settle down little heart of mine
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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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Thank you for the lyrics Iemanja75. Just have two corrections
In the last line of the first verse It's:-
is acid in my BELLY at the very best
Line three, last verse is:-
you're so far away and she's right HERE by your side
Lovely song albeit he's thinking of someone else that he obviously wants but can't have because he's married. I think he is afraid that his fast beating heart will give it away because she's sitting right next to him. (No shit sherlock). Maybe I'm wrong. I was a little afraid to hear this album as all previous have been excellent. They haven't disappointed me this time either.
This song reflects on the disappointment of finding your youthful ire dampened by middle age.
Frontman Guy Garvey explained; "You lose your pushy side when you hit middle age. You can't keep partying like we have for 20 years. I used to love running into a crowded rock 'n' roll bar and spending all night throwing shapes (British term for dancing) and looking at girls. Now we love nothing more than the corner of a quiet pub, and a bloody good chat."
To me this song seems mainly political in nature. The first verse refers to stopping and thinking about previously held ideas or opinions, taking a chair meaning to sit down, on the battlefield.Probably not a literal one, but it could be.
Second verse is talking about this bayonett. An old weapon, or grudge. Made in the USA meaning that's where where the idea of the fight originated, probably due to favours in the first or second world war. This was a long time ago and all the people involved in those conflicts are dead but it is still affecting the uk and the decisions that are made, the attitude is passed down though generations like a wedding ring.
Last verse is maybe to sooth himself, after all these are big big problems No one can really solve, so maybe stop worrying about it so much.... Think about beauty and love instead.
When you are young you either want to change an errant world or party yourself into a stupor. When you get older you get married, settle down, get a mortgage and a mother-in-law and suddenly you find you are happy with a cup of tea and a Hob Nob.
Occasionally you feel a bit guilty about it.
I'm in general agreement with most of the comments. His burning youthful ideals have now, with age, turned into a sort of grumbling indigestion, stripped of dignity. The battlefield imagery is beautiful. Tired of the fight, he hasn't got the inclination or the energy to carry on so metaphorically pulls up a chair and lets it carry on around him. The bayonet is also symbolic of his rusted ideals which now inhabit a more peaceful part of his mind. I am confused about the heart beating. I doubt if it's about a relationship. It must be Guy Garvey telling himself not to get uptight about politics anymore.