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.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, etc.
Billie and my friend the saint,
You're perfect in so many ways,
But you never looked hard
At a fetus in a jar
You never saw your mama change.
And this wonderland of spite,
Does not shine into your night,
Like widows are seen
As stigmatised beings,
Who ought to have second chance.
And hurricanes spin
Like debutantes in a trance.
Sue the fortune-teller,
Rue the rising tide,
General Washington,
Patented that skull,
Throw him out.
Ship that hollandaise,
Feel the heart fell of touch
See the longer you tease,
The stronger the needs,
The highs and the fruit are long.
Up to the one a kid,
Call the bluff when the money's in,
You're a hungry matron,
And you are just what I need,
I was tired of the best years of my life.
Sue the fortune-teller,
Rue the rising tide,
General Washington,
Patented that skull,
Throw him out.
Billie and my friend the saint,
You're perfect in so many ways,
But you never looked hard
At a fetus in a jar
You never saw your mama change.
And this wonderland of spite,
Does not shine into your night,
Like widows are seen
As stigmatised beings,
Who ought to have second chance.
And hurricanes spin
Like debutantes in a trance.
Sue the fortune-teller,
Rue the rising tide,
General Washington,
Patented that skull,
Throw him out.
Ship that hollandaise,
Feel the heart fell of touch
See the longer you tease,
The stronger the needs,
The highs and the fruit are long.
Up to the one a kid,
Call the bluff when the money's in,
You're a hungry matron,
And you are just what I need,
I was tired of the best years of my life.
Sue the fortune-teller,
Rue the rising tide,
General Washington,
Patented that skull,
Throw him out.
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
wow. this is one of the best if not the best off the album, and its sad to see so many obviously wrong lyrics...
am i the only one who's bothered with the chorus? the way it takes a 180 degrees turn is very disturbing, and for some reason not in a very good way.
@heartbeats_xxx <br /> You, me, and my friend (not the saint) got a chorus problem here
I can't believe no-one has commented on this song. I especially like the beginning of the song and it's probably my favourite track off Terror Twilight.
This is my favorite from that album, too.
billie is about billy graham, and i believe at least partially about his relationship with pope john paul II.
i think it's a boy who got some minor errors (heh) when his mother gave birth to him in the way when they cut the stomach (whats it called? seizers cross or something) and its about telling this kid that life is great and that he's special in so many ways
alas.away, it is called "caesarean." i agree with heartbeats on the chorus. it doesn't fit with the rest of the song
alas.away, it is called "caesarean." i agree with heartbeats on the chorus. it doesn't fit with the rest of the song
'Up to the one a kid, Call the bluff when the money's in, You're a hungry matron, And you are just what I need, I was tired of the best years of my life...' ...is great. just the right doseages of hope and ennui in his voice and lyrics. 'i was tired of the best years of my life' is as weary a line as i've ever heard.
'Up to the one a kid, Call the bluff when the money's in, You're a hungry matron, And you are just what I need, I was tired of the best years of my life...' ...is great. just the right doseages of hope and ennui in his voice and lyrics. 'i was tired of the best years of my life' is as weary a line as i've ever heard.