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.
A greyhound bus weaves its way across town
I'm sitting here thinking
Never thought I could be brought down
And low yes I'm sinking
Bet on a wild one, I got stitched
Caught up in a fight
I was dreaming, dreaming, oh I saw you last night
(I got a) 4 by 8 on Riker's Yard
8 to 15 I'm doin' hard
For you and your lover
Shot through the head
Air conditioning lead
The honeymoon was over
With the telephone bill
Yes you've been tumbled
With your fingers in the till
The Chelsea Hotel with a private line
Now it's payback time
Sha la la la I can't let you go
It's not over till it's over, no
Sha la la la I can't set you free
Oh no can't let go
'Cause I put you right above
Love deadly love
Love deadly love
Through the shadows of my backyard
Now brother I'm leaving a calling card
This mission tonight
Feels so right Mr. D.O.A.
Some they can take it and some lie down
Some just wear that thorny crown
Like a halo round the head
Oh now you're better off dead
Sha la la la I can't let you go
It's not over till it's over, no
Sha la la la I can't set you free
Oh no can't let go
'Cause I put you right above
Love deadly love
Love deadly love
Sha la la la I can't let you go
It's not over till it's over, no
Sha la la la I can't set you free
Oh no can't let go
'Cause I put you right above
Love deadly love
Love deadly love
There's a visit and one phone call
And sometimes a stroll
If I'm straight in five years
Maybe remission or parole
Bet on a wild one, I got stitched
Caught up in a fight
I was dreaming, dreaming, oh I saw you last night
(I got a) 4 by 8 on Riker's Yard
8 to 15 I'm doin' hard
For you and your lover
Five card stud that's your game
I'll cut stack and lose it's all the same
You could never say no never say no no no no
Love deadly love, love deadly love
Love deadly love, love deadly love
Love deadly love, love deadly love
I'm sitting here thinking
Never thought I could be brought down
And low yes I'm sinking
Bet on a wild one, I got stitched
Caught up in a fight
I was dreaming, dreaming, oh I saw you last night
(I got a) 4 by 8 on Riker's Yard
8 to 15 I'm doin' hard
For you and your lover
Shot through the head
Air conditioning lead
The honeymoon was over
With the telephone bill
Yes you've been tumbled
With your fingers in the till
The Chelsea Hotel with a private line
Now it's payback time
Sha la la la I can't let you go
It's not over till it's over, no
Sha la la la I can't set you free
Oh no can't let go
'Cause I put you right above
Love deadly love
Love deadly love
Through the shadows of my backyard
Now brother I'm leaving a calling card
This mission tonight
Feels so right Mr. D.O.A.
Some they can take it and some lie down
Some just wear that thorny crown
Like a halo round the head
Oh now you're better off dead
Sha la la la I can't let you go
It's not over till it's over, no
Sha la la la I can't set you free
Oh no can't let go
'Cause I put you right above
Love deadly love
Love deadly love
Sha la la la I can't let you go
It's not over till it's over, no
Sha la la la I can't set you free
Oh no can't let go
'Cause I put you right above
Love deadly love
Love deadly love
There's a visit and one phone call
And sometimes a stroll
If I'm straight in five years
Maybe remission or parole
Bet on a wild one, I got stitched
Caught up in a fight
I was dreaming, dreaming, oh I saw you last night
(I got a) 4 by 8 on Riker's Yard
8 to 15 I'm doin' hard
For you and your lover
Five card stud that's your game
I'll cut stack and lose it's all the same
You could never say no never say no no no no
Love deadly love, love deadly love
Love deadly love, love deadly love
Love deadly love, love deadly love
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