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.
He writes as he tilts his head
to catch the whispering
up with the hiss of tape recorders
but there ain't nobody there
oh no there ain't nobody there
Then he goes out to the shops
that line up outside his house
He'll always pause at his reflection
but there ain't nobody there
oh no there ain't nobody there
But he's got friends behind the glass
"How much you want for the girl in the window?
I'll give you twice whatever you think she's worth; I'll give you all that and more to see her cured."
He has an argument with his lover
She's put poisonous snakes into his supper
every night since they first met
though she pretends that she forgets
Now he puts his collar up
and goes back out to the shops
to settle a bet with his supplier
as his lover wakes up wet
well-secured and coloured in
Now she's safely pressed underneath the glass,
Oh yeah she's safely pressed underneath the glass
"How much you want for the girl in the window?
I'll give you twice whatever you think she's worth; I'll give you all that and more to see her cured."
to catch the whispering
up with the hiss of tape recorders
but there ain't nobody there
oh no there ain't nobody there
Then he goes out to the shops
that line up outside his house
He'll always pause at his reflection
but there ain't nobody there
oh no there ain't nobody there
But he's got friends behind the glass
"How much you want for the girl in the window?
I'll give you twice whatever you think she's worth; I'll give you all that and more to see her cured."
He has an argument with his lover
She's put poisonous snakes into his supper
every night since they first met
though she pretends that she forgets
Now he puts his collar up
and goes back out to the shops
to settle a bet with his supplier
as his lover wakes up wet
well-secured and coloured in
Now she's safely pressed underneath the glass,
Oh yeah she's safely pressed underneath the glass
"How much you want for the girl in the window?
I'll give you twice whatever you think she's worth; I'll give you all that and more to see her cured."
Lyrics submitted by JohnnyViola
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
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
I love metaphoric lyrics and this song is a metaphor entirely. I am not sure what Mark is writing about but I get dark undertones as if the song is about being trapped between life and after life. He's trapped between because he took her life and then his own. The girl in the window is the one he loves but in a fit of passion he takes her life and when he realizes it he takes his own life. Now, they are both misplaced and he can no longer reach her though he still loves and desires to be with her again. I'm a bit twisted though so I can not say anything definite about this hauntingly beautiful song. Jessie Jayne Martel