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.
1986 Harley
Blowing smoke and sucking oil
My daddy said, 'Buy it and you're crazy boy'
You can't tell me nothin'
It took me a year to fix it up
And one day to lay her down
I got a little hitch in my get-along now
You can't tell me nothin'
[Chorus]
Talk is cheap and free advice
Is worth the price you pay
I had to find out for myself the hard way
You can't tell me nothin'
Hometown homecoming sweetheart
Nobody thought I had a prayer
Her mama said, 'Boy, don't you come around here'
You can't tell me nothin'
They say be careful what you wish for
I want to be her man
Two babies and a trailer later here I am
You can't tell me nothin'
[Chorus]
They say that drinking will kill you
The same thing for rolling smokes
But that's two of the three things that I like most
You can't tell me nothin'
I know what the good book preaches
But I know how I am
I just hope somebody up there understands
You can't tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
Blowing smoke and sucking oil
My daddy said, 'Buy it and you're crazy boy'
You can't tell me nothin'
It took me a year to fix it up
And one day to lay her down
I got a little hitch in my get-along now
You can't tell me nothin'
[Chorus]
Talk is cheap and free advice
Is worth the price you pay
I had to find out for myself the hard way
You can't tell me nothin'
Hometown homecoming sweetheart
Nobody thought I had a prayer
Her mama said, 'Boy, don't you come around here'
You can't tell me nothin'
They say be careful what you wish for
I want to be her man
Two babies and a trailer later here I am
You can't tell me nothin'
[Chorus]
They say that drinking will kill you
The same thing for rolling smokes
But that's two of the three things that I like most
You can't tell me nothin'
I know what the good book preaches
But I know how I am
I just hope somebody up there understands
You can't tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Can't Tell Me Nothin' Lyrics as written by Richard C. Giles Steve Bogard
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Anthem Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.