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.
Ever since I was a kid in school
I messed around with all the rules
Apologized, then realized
I'm not different after all
Me and the boys thought we had is sussed
Valentino's all of us
My dad said we looked ridiculous
But, boy, we broke some hearts
In and out of jobs, running free
Waging war with society
Dumb, blank faces stared back at me
But nothing ever changed
Promises made in the heat of night
Creepin' home before it got too light
I wasted all that precious time
And blamed it on the wine
I was only joking, my dear
Looking for a way to hide my fear
What kind of fool was I?
I could never win
Never found a compromise
Collected lovers like butterflies
Illusions of that grand first prize
Are slowly wearin' thin
Susie, baby, you were good to me
Giving love unselfishly
But you took it all too seriously
I guess it had to end
I was only joking, my dear
Looking for a way to hide my fear
What kind of fool was I?
I could never win
Now you ask me if I'm sincere
That's the question that I always fear
Verse seven is never clear
But I'll tell you what you want to hear
I try to give you all you want
But giving love is not my strongest point
If that's the case, it's pointless going on
I'd rather be alone
'Cause what I'm doing must be wrong
Pouring my heart out in a song
Owning up for prosperity
For the whole damn world to see
Quietly now while I turn a page
Act one is over without costume change
The principal would like to leave the stage
The crowd don't understand
I messed around with all the rules
Apologized, then realized
I'm not different after all
Me and the boys thought we had is sussed
Valentino's all of us
My dad said we looked ridiculous
But, boy, we broke some hearts
In and out of jobs, running free
Waging war with society
Dumb, blank faces stared back at me
But nothing ever changed
Promises made in the heat of night
Creepin' home before it got too light
I wasted all that precious time
And blamed it on the wine
I was only joking, my dear
Looking for a way to hide my fear
What kind of fool was I?
I could never win
Never found a compromise
Collected lovers like butterflies
Illusions of that grand first prize
Are slowly wearin' thin
Susie, baby, you were good to me
Giving love unselfishly
But you took it all too seriously
I guess it had to end
I was only joking, my dear
Looking for a way to hide my fear
What kind of fool was I?
I could never win
Now you ask me if I'm sincere
That's the question that I always fear
Verse seven is never clear
But I'll tell you what you want to hear
I try to give you all you want
But giving love is not my strongest point
If that's the case, it's pointless going on
I'd rather be alone
'Cause what I'm doing must be wrong
Pouring my heart out in a song
Owning up for prosperity
For the whole damn world to see
Quietly now while I turn a page
Act one is over without costume change
The principal would like to leave the stage
The crowd don't understand
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
I Was Only Joking Lyrics as written by Rod Stewart Gary Grainger
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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