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.
After seven days
He was quite tired so God said
"Let there be a day
Just for picnics, with wine and bread"
He gathered up some people he had made
Created blankets and laid back in the shade
The people sipped their wine
And what with God there, they asked him questions
Like, do you have to eat
Or get your hair cut in heaven?
And if your eye got poked out in this life
Would it be waiting up in heaven with your wife?
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them
The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him
So he said "once there was a boy
Who woke up with blue hair
To him it was a joy
Until he ran out into the warm air
He thought of how his friend would come to see
And would they laugh, or had he got some strange disease?"
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them
The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him
The people sat waiting
Out on their blankets in the garden
But God said nothing
So someone asked him "I beg your pardon
I'm not quite clear about what you just spoke
What that a parable, or a very subtle joke?"
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them
The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him
He was quite tired so God said
"Let there be a day
Just for picnics, with wine and bread"
He gathered up some people he had made
Created blankets and laid back in the shade
The people sipped their wine
And what with God there, they asked him questions
Like, do you have to eat
Or get your hair cut in heaven?
And if your eye got poked out in this life
Would it be waiting up in heaven with your wife?
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them
The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him
So he said "once there was a boy
Who woke up with blue hair
To him it was a joy
Until he ran out into the warm air
He thought of how his friend would come to see
And would they laugh, or had he got some strange disease?"
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them
The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him
The people sat waiting
Out on their blankets in the garden
But God said nothing
So someone asked him "I beg your pardon
I'm not quite clear about what you just spoke
What that a parable, or a very subtle joke?"
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them
The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him
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Great version of a great song,
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Great song! I enjoyed reading all the responses, but have to agree with the latter few. Gsmith hit it, however I'd rather not think the others have blinders on. After all, the lyrics are rather open ended which suites the real meaning. God doesn't answer questions; never has. People open their hearts to God for answers, often after forking over cash to the church. But at best they get a parable that can be interpreted however they wish and most likely God is a puppet controled by mortals behind curtains. Of course the puppet seems like a dunce with no answers because preachers have no more answers than the next fellow. If there is a god, He is quite silent on the matter. So very well written, thanks!
Nope, this morning he's getting a real chuckle at your anti-faith post ;) God has seldom been silent; He's that little voice in our heads that tells us when we are doing something wrong or right. He's the one who motivates us to feed and clothe the poor; give job training to those in need; protect unborn babies from being slaughtered by the selfish; etc. God requires no money to grace us, yet that money comes in handy to help provide the human kindness mentioned above. Open your ears and small disgruntled mind than perhaps you will hear God. Interesting song. Those who mock God may one day be his entertainment in Heaven (if they're lucky:)
The band's name is appropriate considering their views.