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.
I get violent when I'm fucked up
I get silent when I'm drugged up
Want excitement, don't get none, I go wild
I don't know what can be done about it
If you play the game you get nothing out of it
Find out for yourself try bein' a goody-goody
You better cheat-cheat
No reason to play fair
Cheat-cheat or don't get anywhere
Cheat-cheat if you can't win
Nobody knows what they are doing
It's beyond your control, an' Friday night's a ruin
If you want to survive you better learn how to lie
You better cheat-cheat
No reason to play fair
Cheat-cheat or don't get anywhere
Cheat-cheat if you can't win
Don't use the rules
They're not for you, they're for the fools
And you're a fool if you don't know that
So use the rules, you stupid fool
I get silent when I'm drugged up
Want excitement, don't get none, I go wild
I don't know what can be done about it
If you play the game you get nothing out of it
Find out for yourself try bein' a goody-goody
You better cheat-cheat
No reason to play fair
Cheat-cheat or don't get anywhere
Cheat-cheat if you can't win
Nobody knows what they are doing
It's beyond your control, an' Friday night's a ruin
If you want to survive you better learn how to lie
You better cheat-cheat
No reason to play fair
Cheat-cheat or don't get anywhere
Cheat-cheat if you can't win
Don't use the rules
They're not for you, they're for the fools
And you're a fool if you don't know that
So use the rules, you stupid fool
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Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
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/
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.
I think the term 'cheat' is used a metaphor for growing up and witnessing the harsh reality of life. 'A Cheat'; a name, usually by a child to another child, is usually a derogatory term but here it is glorified and a must to be used to gain an advantage in this world.
That's a valid statement Spam
But you gotta love the first two lines!
I think this is a pro cheating song personally.
Hell yeah..great jam.
clearly stating their negative opinion of cheaters
this song inspired bill belichick....lol jk..
I like this song but the lyrics, especially the last verse, are laughable.