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.
Every other morning
I lie in bed awake
And wonder why the dawning
Always has to break
Could it be it must
As we all expect it to
Could it be I just
Simply haven't got a clue
And what if it stayed behind
Had itself a change of mind
What would your impression be
How would you react
Would you simply smile and say
Don't be silly go away
Anyone can plainly see
It couldn't happen here
Not in a million years
So you think you're clever
Well, if you really are
Would you kindly tell me
How big is a star
And what does it contain
Is it metal or wood
How much does it cost
Is it really any good
And what if they all came down
Everyone upon the ground
What would your impression be
How would you react
Would you simply smile and say
Don't be silly go away
Anyone can plainly see
It couldn't happen here
Not in a million years
Everyone knows one and one is two
And all take for granted that it's true
Everybody know that the world is round
Although it doesn't look it from the ground
Everybody knows it's right
But what if one and one were five
And the world not really round
Everywhere was just a huge flat piece of ground
Look at all the animals
Living in zoos
Elephants and tigers
lions and kangaroos
Don't they all look cute
When they're hid behind a cage
Funny when they laugh
Exciting when then rage
But what if they took control
There and then reversed the role
What would your impression be
How would you react
Would you simply smile and say
don't be silly go away
Anyone can plainly see
It couldn't happen here
It couldn't happen here
Not in a million years
I lie in bed awake
And wonder why the dawning
Always has to break
Could it be it must
As we all expect it to
Could it be I just
Simply haven't got a clue
And what if it stayed behind
Had itself a change of mind
What would your impression be
How would you react
Would you simply smile and say
Don't be silly go away
Anyone can plainly see
It couldn't happen here
Not in a million years
So you think you're clever
Well, if you really are
Would you kindly tell me
How big is a star
And what does it contain
Is it metal or wood
How much does it cost
Is it really any good
And what if they all came down
Everyone upon the ground
What would your impression be
How would you react
Would you simply smile and say
Don't be silly go away
Anyone can plainly see
It couldn't happen here
Not in a million years
Everyone knows one and one is two
And all take for granted that it's true
Everybody know that the world is round
Although it doesn't look it from the ground
Everybody knows it's right
But what if one and one were five
And the world not really round
Everywhere was just a huge flat piece of ground
Look at all the animals
Living in zoos
Elephants and tigers
lions and kangaroos
Don't they all look cute
When they're hid behind a cage
Funny when they laugh
Exciting when then rage
But what if they took control
There and then reversed the role
What would your impression be
How would you react
Would you simply smile and say
don't be silly go away
Anyone can plainly see
It couldn't happen here
It couldn't happen here
Not in a million years
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Not in a Million Years Lyrics as written by Gilbert O'sullivan
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.