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.
It's sad to think
We're not gonna make it
And it's gotten to the point
Where we just can't fake it
For some ungodly reason
Just won't let it die
I guess neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
I keep wondering
What I'm gonna do without you?
And I guess you must be
Wondering the same thing too
So we go on
Go on together living a lie
Because neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
Every time I find the nerve
Every time I find the nerve to say, I'm leaving
Memories, those old memories
Get in my way
Lord knows it's only me
Only know it's only me that I'm deceiving
When it comes to saying goodbye
That a simple word that I just cannot say
There can be no way, there can be no way
This can have a happy ending, no, no
So we just go on hurting and pretending
And convincing ourselves to give it just one more try
Because neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say
Farewell my love
Goodbye
We're not gonna make it
And it's gotten to the point
Where we just can't fake it
For some ungodly reason
Just won't let it die
I guess neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
I keep wondering
What I'm gonna do without you?
And I guess you must be
Wondering the same thing too
So we go on
Go on together living a lie
Because neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say goodbye
Every time I find the nerve
Every time I find the nerve to say, I'm leaving
Memories, those old memories
Get in my way
Lord knows it's only me
Only know it's only me that I'm deceiving
When it comes to saying goodbye
That a simple word that I just cannot say
There can be no way, there can be no way
This can have a happy ending, no, no
So we just go on hurting and pretending
And convincing ourselves to give it just one more try
Because neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say
Neither one of us
Wants to be the first to say
Farewell my love
Goodbye
Lyrics submitted by lahesperia
Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) Lyrics as written by James D. Weatherly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
These lyrics don't leave much room for interpretation .. the honeymoon is long over, but neither one of them has the guts to admit it, even though they both know it.
And when they do muster up the courage to address the issue .. old (good) memories come back to mind and gives them strength - perhaps misguided strenght - to stick together.
I think a lot of relationships drag on due to the delusions that fill our minds, and this song captures that perfectly.
BTW - Gladys is simply a GOD among mortals. Her voice is very emotional, yet never over-the-top. Always tasteful.
Unlike 99.9% of her would-be competitors, she doesn't hit you over the head with a sledge hammer to get her feelings communicated. Just close your eyes and let her gentle arpeggios scoop you up and place you down on her emotional sould train.