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.
Don't give me answers for I would refuse
"yes" is a word for which I have no use
And I wasn't looking for heaven or hell
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Now what is a blessing and what is a dream
Caught between portraits and none's what it seems
And why is it people expect there's a change
When I feel I'm a part of something I can't see
I feel the same
Now don't ask me questions or I will retreat
Fame is a cancer and ego its seed
Now I wasn't looking for heaven or hell
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Do we ever wonder?
And do you ever care...
Subtle salvation in poems we know
Hiding our heads in a shadow of home
Now I wasn't looking for wreaths or for bells
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Stories I tell
"yes" is a word for which I have no use
And I wasn't looking for heaven or hell
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Now what is a blessing and what is a dream
Caught between portraits and none's what it seems
And why is it people expect there's a change
When I feel I'm a part of something I can't see
I feel the same
Now don't ask me questions or I will retreat
Fame is a cancer and ego its seed
Now I wasn't looking for heaven or hell
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Do we ever wonder?
And do you ever care...
Subtle salvation in poems we know
Hiding our heads in a shadow of home
Now I wasn't looking for wreaths or for bells
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Stories I tell
Lyrics submitted by rabidpenguin
Stories I Tell Lyrics as written by Glen Phillips Dean Dinning
Lyrics © THE ADMINISTRATION MP, INC.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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Great version of a great song,
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This is my favourite TTWS song. It's so introspective, emotional, honest. Possibly someone who seeks to talk and people to listen to him, not wanting questions or answers, but just some attention. Throughout the song, he reminds how he isn't actually looking for anything big or special: no "heaven or hell", no "wreaths or bells", but just someone to listen to him. He's also upset about superficiality and people who just don't "ever care". Simple message, conveying that feeling everyone has at times. Love it.
I can't help but think that the "Stories" he tells are his songs, so as you listen to "Stories I tell" you are someone who is listening to the stories he tells....It's like we're inside a picture that is contained within a picture of a picture of a Pink Floyd Album cover (Ummagumma?). At least I feel involved with the music now, but perhaps not as much as I would if I were at one of their concerts.
I can't help but think that the "Stories" he tells are his songs, so as you listen to "Stories I tell" you are someone who is listening to the stories he tells....It's like we're inside a picture that is contained within a picture of a picture of a Pink Floyd Album cover (Ummagumma?). At least I feel involved with the music now, but perhaps not as much as I would if I were at one of their concerts.
I can't help but think that the "Stories" he tells are his songs, so as you listen to "Stories I tell" you are someone who is listening to the stories he tells....It's like we're inside a picture that is contained within a picture of a picture of a Pink Floyd Album cover (Ummagumma?). At least I feel involved with the music now, but perhaps not as much as I would if I were at one of their concerts.
Whoops. The other comment was my first posting here. I'm not sure how I did it 3 times, and apologize to everyone who sees it.
To me, it always seemed the song was written from the perspective of Jesus as a man before the myths were spun and told and retold as he was made out to be various things including the son of God. Just a guy telling stories and suggesting people should try being nice to each other for a change.
Glenn mentioned in some interviews about how his songs were "notes to himself", during struggles with depression; it's possible that in private he's not that extroverted - he doesn't want the attention, he considers "fame a a cancer, and ego it's seed". He's tried to avoid the ego part - he just wants his music to mean something to us. Songs beyond "walk on the ocean" for instance are deeply introspective, personal, spiritual.. some are just silly, but wonderful still.