Well this is just a simple song
To say what you done
I told you about all those fears
And away they did run
You sure must be strong
And you feel like an ocean
Being warmed by the sun

When I was just nine years old
I swear that I dreamed
Your face on a football field
And a kiss that I kept
Under my vest
Apart from everything
But the heart in my chest

I know that things can really get rough when you go it alone
Don't go thinking you gotta be tough, to play like a stone
Could be there's nothing else in our lives so critical
As this little hole

My life in an upturned boat, marooned on a cliff
You brought me a great big flood
And you gave me a lift
To care, what a gift
You tell me with your tongue
And your breath was in my lungs
And you float over the rift

I know that things can really get rough when you go it alone
Don't go thinking you gotta be tough, to play like a stone
Could be there's nothing else in our lives so critical
As this little hole

Well this will be a simple song
To say what you've done
I told you about all those years
And away they did run
You sure must be strong
And you feel like an ocean
Being warmed by the sun

Remember walking a mile to your house, a glow in the dark
I made a fumblin' play for your heart and the extra, the spark
You wore a charm in the chain that I stole especially for you
Love's such a delicate thing that we do, we've nothing to prove
Which I never knew


Lyrics submitted by Konversekid, edited by SoWhy, bassmaster

Simple Song Lyrics as written by James Mercer

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Simple Song song meanings
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  • +7
    General Comment

    Great song. As others referenced, Mercer has said in an interview that he wrote this song about his wife when they were newlyweds. So its a love song- although we can guess that from the lyrics.

    "I told you about all those fears/ and away they did run."

    When you tell someone your fears, they seem to lose their power and run away. Especially if you love and trust the person you tell.

    The author also talks about being stranded on a cliff before his girl comes along. She rescues him from being "stuck" and not moving. "Girl what a gift." Indeed, that is a great gift someone can give to another.

    There are also some great imagery here when the author recalls a romantic past: walks in the dark to her house; her wearing his charm; him making "plays" for her heart on the field.

    The song ends with some more powerful lines. "Loves such a delicate thing that we do/ with nothing to prove/ which I never knew." She has taught the author about love. That it is delicate. Also, that it is a "thing that we do." This implies action. Love is revealed through words and deeds. Finally, there is "nothing to prove." Love doesn't require us to prove ourselves or be someone else.

    Great song, beautiful lyrics, and a great message.

    ThickSudson March 12, 2012   Link

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