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 was supposed to have been a Jesuit priest or a Naval Academy grad
That was the way that my parents perceived me
Those were the plans that they had
Though I couldn't fit the part too dumb or too smart
Ain't it funny how we all turned out
I guess we are the people our parents warned us about
You know I could have worked the rigs when the money was big Or hopped a freighter south to Trinidad
And when they tried to draft me I earned a college degree
Buyin' time till things were not so bad
But when I got a guitar found a job in a bar, playin' acid rock til I was numb
Tell me where are the flashbacks they all warned us would come.
Chorus:
We are the people they couldn't figure out
We are the people our parents warned us about
Hey hey, Gardner McKay, take us on the leaky Tiki with you
Clear skies bound for Shanghai, sailin' on the ocean blue
Now I got quarters in my loafers tryin' to fight inflation
When it only used to take a cent
Sometimes I wish I was back in my crashpad days before I knew what cash flow meant
Seems everybody's joggin' or heavy into health shit
Don't tell me that I ought to get rolffed
'Cause I love cajun martinis and playin' afternoon golf
Chorus:
We are the people there isn't any doubt
We are the people they still can't figure out
We are the people who love to sing "Twist and Shout"
(Shake it up, Baby now)
We are the people our parents warned us about.
That was the way that my parents perceived me
Those were the plans that they had
Though I couldn't fit the part too dumb or too smart
Ain't it funny how we all turned out
I guess we are the people our parents warned us about
You know I could have worked the rigs when the money was big Or hopped a freighter south to Trinidad
And when they tried to draft me I earned a college degree
Buyin' time till things were not so bad
But when I got a guitar found a job in a bar, playin' acid rock til I was numb
Tell me where are the flashbacks they all warned us would come.
Chorus:
We are the people they couldn't figure out
We are the people our parents warned us about
Hey hey, Gardner McKay, take us on the leaky Tiki with you
Clear skies bound for Shanghai, sailin' on the ocean blue
Now I got quarters in my loafers tryin' to fight inflation
When it only used to take a cent
Sometimes I wish I was back in my crashpad days before I knew what cash flow meant
Seems everybody's joggin' or heavy into health shit
Don't tell me that I ought to get rolffed
'Cause I love cajun martinis and playin' afternoon golf
Chorus:
We are the people there isn't any doubt
We are the people they still can't figure out
We are the people who love to sing "Twist and Shout"
(Shake it up, Baby now)
We are the people our parents warned us about.
Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus
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