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.
This is a tale of a Northern Soul
Looking to find his way back home
He's coming from that same old road
You know the one your folds don't know
I want to see if you know me
I was born in a rented room
My mother didn't get no flowers
Dad didn't approve of me, do you?
I'm alive with something inside of me
And I don't think I'm coming back
So come on come in inside of me
Let's spread it all around
Give me your powder and pills
I want to see if they cure my ills
I've no time for love and devotion
No time for old fashioned potion
Take a look into my eyes
I tell you so many lies and then I'll let you go into the night
And I don't think I'm coming down
I'm alive with something inside of me
And I can't seem to get it out
I'm gonna die alone in bed
This is a tale of a northern soul
Looking for his way back home
And my friend said, "Come in side of me
And your speakers are telling the truth
Coming through and into your room on a river of sound"
This is a tale of a northern soul looking for his way back home
And if he sees it I know I'll know (repeat)
And there's fighting on the street below
I know there's fighting on the street below
But I don't care 'Cause I'm a Northern Soul
And I'm looking for a way back home
Too busy staying alive (repeat)
Too busy living a lie, too busy living my life
Too busy staying alive
Looking to find his way back home
He's coming from that same old road
You know the one your folds don't know
I want to see if you know me
I was born in a rented room
My mother didn't get no flowers
Dad didn't approve of me, do you?
I'm alive with something inside of me
And I don't think I'm coming back
So come on come in inside of me
Let's spread it all around
Give me your powder and pills
I want to see if they cure my ills
I've no time for love and devotion
No time for old fashioned potion
Take a look into my eyes
I tell you so many lies and then I'll let you go into the night
And I don't think I'm coming down
I'm alive with something inside of me
And I can't seem to get it out
I'm gonna die alone in bed
This is a tale of a northern soul
Looking for his way back home
And my friend said, "Come in side of me
And your speakers are telling the truth
Coming through and into your room on a river of sound"
This is a tale of a northern soul looking for his way back home
And if he sees it I know I'll know (repeat)
And there's fighting on the street below
I know there's fighting on the street below
But I don't care 'Cause I'm a Northern Soul
And I'm looking for a way back home
Too busy staying alive (repeat)
Too busy living a lie, too busy living my life
Too busy staying alive
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this songs brilliant, a tribute from richard ashcroft to noel gallagher.. the pill-poppin, jaw punchin, manc , working class hero!