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.
Since you were born you watched TV
cartoons with violence and greed
in your world all that was OK
your parents never taught you right
from wrong, brother taught you to fight
Now it's time to show them what you've got
Time to show them what you've got
An attitude, a fancy car
your buddies got your back
your parents' house compared to yours
looks something like a shack
in your thirty seven guns
the bullets painted red
a simple stare is all it takes
to fill 'em up with lead but
Why, are you acting like you're someone else?
Why, can't you stop thinking about yourself
Last friday night you went driving
a stolen car and golden rings
it was something you just had to do
your little friends the cops caught you
you're sentenced for a long time
now tell me what you're gonna do
in a world where no one cares
labels i don't want to wear
i had a dream that i could once walk
safely in the streets
you've got to take it away from me
Why, are you acting like you're someone else?
Why, can't you stop thinking about yourself
cartoons with violence and greed
in your world all that was OK
your parents never taught you right
from wrong, brother taught you to fight
Now it's time to show them what you've got
Time to show them what you've got
An attitude, a fancy car
your buddies got your back
your parents' house compared to yours
looks something like a shack
in your thirty seven guns
the bullets painted red
a simple stare is all it takes
to fill 'em up with lead but
Why, are you acting like you're someone else?
Why, can't you stop thinking about yourself
Last friday night you went driving
a stolen car and golden rings
it was something you just had to do
your little friends the cops caught you
you're sentenced for a long time
now tell me what you're gonna do
in a world where no one cares
labels i don't want to wear
i had a dream that i could once walk
safely in the streets
you've got to take it away from me
Why, are you acting like you're someone else?
Why, can't you stop thinking about yourself
Lyrics submitted by EmOhunny017
Why? Lyrics as written by Annie Lennox
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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this song is awesome.