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 heard the knock on my door
I heard the ring of the bell
I got the letter but I couldn't go
So many thoughts in my head
So many places to be
So many faces that I long to see
Standing in front of me tonight
The lights will take me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
Somebody said to me
Why do you do this to you
Why not sit back and relax
Go to the islands and forget it all
Slow down, you're moving too fast
You seem afraid it won't last
Take my advice, go straight and settle down
Thank you for caring, but tonight the lights will take
Me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
I can't explain, it gives me something
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Give me my hope, give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, won't you let me play
Let me play
Won't you, won't you let me play
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Give me my hope, give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, won't you watch me play
Won't you watch me play
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Shine on upon me give me my energy, oh
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, give me?
Carry me way
Carry me, carry me, carry me, carry me (carry me way) carry me (oh oh)
I heard the ring of the bell
I got the letter but I couldn't go
So many thoughts in my head
So many places to be
So many faces that I long to see
Standing in front of me tonight
The lights will take me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
Somebody said to me
Why do you do this to you
Why not sit back and relax
Go to the islands and forget it all
Slow down, you're moving too fast
You seem afraid it won't last
Take my advice, go straight and settle down
Thank you for caring, but tonight the lights will take
Me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
I can't explain, it gives me something
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Give me my hope, give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, won't you let me play
Let me play
Won't you, won't you let me play
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Give me my hope, give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, won't you watch me play
Won't you watch me play
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Shine on upon me give me my energy, oh
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, give me?
Carry me way
Carry me, carry me, carry me, carry me (carry me way) carry me (oh oh)
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I wish I could say it was but sadly, I think Tommy is speaking about getting backed. I think the song connects to "Boat on the River" and "Snowblind". If you can insert "faith" instead of pot, GREAT. It gives the song a higher meaning. As much as I love Tommy Shaw, I never saw him functioning at the level. His "lights" is another for the refer.