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.
The Bar was dark, quiet and still
And nothing could be heard
The dust lay undisturbed
At a table near the back, underneath a fan
Two men shared a joke about the normal folk
The cards are on the table
The winners takes it all
The game is nearly over
One man about to fall
I don't believe in heaven
I don't believe in hell
I don't believe what I'm seeing
This is no game, can't you tell
"I'm calling your bluff" the first man said
"The people went to war, they always wanted more
How could I ever fail to lose
They can't take it any more, they want to end the score"
The second man showed his hand
Some walked barefoot across the land
Many have seen the future
And are doing the best they can
[Chorus]
The clock ticked past the final hour
Which of the men had lost? and what was the cost?
The glasses now were empty and gone
To wash away the shame, and take away the pain
One man left the table
The other, head in hands
Paid the bill for the defeated
the only thing left that stands
[Chorus]
And nothing could be heard
The dust lay undisturbed
At a table near the back, underneath a fan
Two men shared a joke about the normal folk
The cards are on the table
The winners takes it all
The game is nearly over
One man about to fall
I don't believe in heaven
I don't believe in hell
I don't believe what I'm seeing
This is no game, can't you tell
"I'm calling your bluff" the first man said
"The people went to war, they always wanted more
How could I ever fail to lose
They can't take it any more, they want to end the score"
The second man showed his hand
Some walked barefoot across the land
Many have seen the future
And are doing the best they can
[Chorus]
The clock ticked past the final hour
Which of the men had lost? and what was the cost?
The glasses now were empty and gone
To wash away the shame, and take away the pain
One man left the table
The other, head in hands
Paid the bill for the defeated
the only thing left that stands
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death
The Game Lyrics as written by Gillian Lesley Gilbert Bernard Sumner
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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about a game of poker i think, cracking song!
about a game of poker i think, cracking song!
I think this is about people in high places gambling with peoples lives using a game of poker as a metaphor
"I'm calling your bluff!" the first man said The people went to war...
I'd say it's definitely about politicians playing with peoples lives, using poker as a metaphor. Fantastic song!