Warren wanted a Beach Boys thing for this one, and Carl Wilson and Billy Hinsche came in, with Carl arranging the vocal parts. The other harmony vocalists (credited as the "Gentlemen Boys") were Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, Zevon's longtime backers Waddy Wachtel and Jorge Calderon, and Linda Rondstadt/Stone Poneys guitarist Kenny Edwards.
I gave you my love
But you threw it straight back in my face
I should have known better
You're just perfume and lace
You're messing around
You're making a fool out of me
But I've had enough baby
I'm setting you free
But I gave you all the chances
I gave you all the signs
Now who's the lonely one
Were you just a waste of time
Empty promises
I remember the days
When it used to be good
We were always together
We both understand
But something went wrong
White turned to black
So I'm leaving you baby
I ain't coming back
But I gave you all the chances
I gave you all the signs
Now who's the lonely one
Were you just a waste of time
Empty promises
But I gave you all the chances
I gave you all the signs
Now who's the lonely one
Were you just a waste of time
Empty promises
But you threw it straight back in my face
I should have known better
You're just perfume and lace
You're messing around
You're making a fool out of me
But I've had enough baby
I'm setting you free
But I gave you all the chances
I gave you all the signs
Now who's the lonely one
Were you just a waste of time
Empty promises
I remember the days
When it used to be good
We were always together
We both understand
But something went wrong
White turned to black
So I'm leaving you baby
I ain't coming back
But I gave you all the chances
I gave you all the signs
Now who's the lonely one
Were you just a waste of time
Empty promises
But I gave you all the chances
I gave you all the signs
Now who's the lonely one
Were you just a waste of time
Empty promises
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The way this song speaks to me🥺🥺when I sing it I feel like I relate
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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.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
The track here expresses the feelings of betrayal and disappointment in a relationship where one person gave their love to someone, but only received empty promises in return. They realized that despite giving multiple chances and ignored the signs, the other person took their love for granted. Leaving them feeling lonely and deceived, they decide to leave the toxic relationship knowing that trying to make it work would be futile. Ultimately, it's all about leaving a loveless relationship, where your partner is only with you for what you have, never giving affection back.