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.
Christmas in the sun, working on those lines
Is more dangerous than terrorism or crime
You're more likely to burn up in Beirut or Belize
Than wake up in a market-place with shrapnel in your knees
Just don't go upstairs
Cosmopolitan says
'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young'
Promise you'll be there when age plucks out my hair
And pins it to my chest, please don't get too depressed
We'll both age in a straight line unless one of us has
A breakdown in our fifties or soaks too long in the bath
Just don't go upstairs
Cosmopolitan says
'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young'
I have seen into the future
Everyone is slightly older
First you're fat and then you shrink
Into a common curse
I have been on television
In principle if not reality
Truth applies in both dimensions
Truth applies in both directions
Christmas in the sun (in sandals)
Working on those lines (those badges)
Is more dangerous than (just as dangerous)
Terrorism or crime (terrorism or crime)
You're more likely to burn up (baby!)
In Beirut or Belize (Northampton?)
Than wake up in a market-place (oh no!)
With shrapnel in your knees (shrapnel in your knees)
Just don't go upstairs
Cosmopolitan says
'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young'
Is more dangerous than terrorism or crime
You're more likely to burn up in Beirut or Belize
Than wake up in a market-place with shrapnel in your knees
Just don't go upstairs
Cosmopolitan says
'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young'
Promise you'll be there when age plucks out my hair
And pins it to my chest, please don't get too depressed
We'll both age in a straight line unless one of us has
A breakdown in our fifties or soaks too long in the bath
Just don't go upstairs
Cosmopolitan says
'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young'
I have seen into the future
Everyone is slightly older
First you're fat and then you shrink
Into a common curse
I have been on television
In principle if not reality
Truth applies in both dimensions
Truth applies in both directions
Christmas in the sun (in sandals)
Working on those lines (those badges)
Is more dangerous than (just as dangerous)
Terrorism or crime (terrorism or crime)
You're more likely to burn up (baby!)
In Beirut or Belize (Northampton?)
Than wake up in a market-place (oh no!)
With shrapnel in your knees (shrapnel in your knees)
Just don't go upstairs
Cosmopolitan says
'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young'
Lyrics submitted by cathalmcb
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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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/
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Ed Sheeran
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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.
I think this is about celebrity culture, and trying to look your best. Cosmopolitan says: 'Don't go upstairs - gravity keeps you young' is pretty obvious, but I think "Christmas in the sun, working on those lines; Is more dangerous than terrorism or crime" is a comment on how all celebrities worry about is getting sunburn, and not real isues.