I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
You’ll be maybe lunging for the bad guy’s hip
No-one anticipates the sunset flip
The referee and your opponent will hold you there
And we’re going to bring in a folding chair
We’ll stipulate that there will be no cameras filming
But of course there will be several in the building
And if by chance somebody hits record
And stands real still somewhere back behind the soundboard
Cheap electric razor from the Thrifty down the street
Two guys down around your ankles so you’ll stay put in your seat
Buzzing razor held aloft and just about to strike
I loved you before I even ever knew what love was like
Some people leave before it’s over; most of them stay
Some hide behind their programs – some turn away
Out in the parking lot you look up at the stars
And all the cheap cars
No-one anticipates the sunset flip
The referee and your opponent will hold you there
And we’re going to bring in a folding chair
We’ll stipulate that there will be no cameras filming
But of course there will be several in the building
And if by chance somebody hits record
And stands real still somewhere back behind the soundboard
Cheap electric razor from the Thrifty down the street
Two guys down around your ankles so you’ll stay put in your seat
Buzzing razor held aloft and just about to strike
I loved you before I even ever knew what love was like
Some people leave before it’s over; most of them stay
Some hide behind their programs – some turn away
Out in the parking lot you look up at the stars
And all the cheap cars
Lyrics submitted by jtk1993, edited by discriminant
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
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
I always listen to this song and think of Up the Wolves, and JD's stepfather. It's a similar feeling (everyone will see you for what you really are).
"I loved you before I even knew what love was like" is the line that makes me feel this most strongly. You can love someone who destroys you, especially if that is all you knew as a kid.