I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I could use some time to curl away
My aggression is where you stake your claim
Why I question this curve on which you grade
My conception, a joke or latest craze?
I try to get away, and yet I stick around
So fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground
My intention, may I arrive at eight?
Lie and dream some, surprise you guys I'm late
All right, correction, forgetting something, wait
I try to get away, and yet I stick around
So fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground
Brush away loose ground
Brush away
My aggression is where you stake your claim
Why I question this curve on which you grade
My conception, a joke or latest craze?
I try to get away, and yet I stick around
So fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground
My intention, may I arrive at eight?
Lie and dream some, surprise you guys I'm late
All right, correction, forgetting something, wait
I try to get away, and yet I stick around
So fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground
Brush away loose ground
Brush away
Lyrics submitted by Ice
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I think the meaning is pretty clear. This person got really burned in a previous relationship, and because of this is unable to love and show care in his present one, even though he so badly wants to. It's lovely song, and very sad. You can really feel how defeated and frustrated he is with himself.
It's about reluctencce to be with firends.
This song seems like it has a few different thoughts involved but to me it seems the main theme is his dissatisfaction with being in the band and keeping up with the schedule set by Jerry or the record company or whoever while trying to make a record. Several of the songs on the Tripod album sort of reflect that.
"I could use some time to curl away" Sounds like he's tired of the whole thing.
"My aggression is where you stake your claim" The fact that Layne gets angry with the rest of the band is fuel for the rest of them to talk shit maybe?
"Why I question this curve on which you grade" I think maybe this is a jab at Jerry. The curve on which you grade could be a metaphor for Jerry's assuming leadership and steering the band in a certain direction, perhaps one that Layne doesn't agree with, or questions.
"My conception a joke or latest craze?" Sounds like concern on Layne's part as to whether the lyrics he writes and brings to the band will be made fun of or thought to be great.
"I try to get away and yet I stick around." I think he would really like to step away from the band but feels guilty because the rest of the band wants to continue, tour, be in the spotlight, etc. and they need him as their front man.
The second verse sounds to me like some standard interaction between Layne and the rest of the band while making the record. Layne shows up late to practice, makes up some excuses, general not-getting-along with the guys stuff.
I don't know if any of that is right but those are just my thoughts. Awesome song from the greatest band of all time. God bless you Layne and Mike Starr.
And of course I put a typo in the quote at the bottom and don't know how to edit. Boo!
this is my favorite AIC song. i believe it's about trying to change, yet making the same mistakes, "i try to get away and yet i stick around" so he messes up again, having to say he's sorry, clean up his mess so to speak, to "brush away loose ground" brush away the effects of his habits and try again, he tries to be on time but he's late = he's trying to change but he can't, his habit calls him back
anyway that's my interpretation. i can relate to everything layne sings about. RIP
Here's my guess: Sometimes you gotta take a blind step to find footing. Somtimes that step isn't secure and you fall. So you brush away the loose ground and you find your footing. Metaphor, can even be applied literally.
I think the song is about being sick of obligatory social interactions. Whether that means with his bandmates, friends, or the media--I do not know.
The line 'fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground' just means he wants to get away and dispose of his tracks so that he cannot be found.
Layne said he wrote the lyrics on this album without deeper meaning, so I think we can basically take it for face value.
I've got no idea what this song is about at all, but these lines are amazing, "My intention, may I arrive at eight? Lie and dream some, surprise you guys I'm late All right, correction, forgetting something, wait"
Not a bad song at all.
mars is right i think and with the whole "surprise you guys im late" when they were recording 3 legged dog, Layne would always show up late or not show up at all cause he would be passed out somewheres due to drug problems obviously.
I listen to this song when I'm mad at someone.. it fits perfect. (my agression is where you stake your claim...) I think its about when people hold grudges, keep bringing up the same shit over and over and you don't want to talk about it.
in alot layne's lyrics, he jumps around from 1st,2nd, and 3rd person. also, he talks about completely different subjects in different sections. i think in the first part of this song, hes referring to God, which he does at one point or another in nearly all of his writings. the rest of it, sillybilly gots it right i think.
I love the guitar solo in this song MAN!