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.
What's it like there outside
With the living with the living
Here I've found a place I can hide
From the living from the living
Because I don't care to stay with the living
Oh the bottle has been to me
My closest friend my worst enemy
For a flavor I walked a fine life
Squandered it all and wasted my time
And I don't stand a chance among the living
For the lovers I've gambled and lost
Count my mistakes whatever the cost
I'll go off, I'll make myself scarce
Oh, come tomorrow
You won't find me here
Because I don't care to stay with the living
I don't think I'll remain with the living
And I don't care to stay with the living
No, I don't care to stay
With the living with the living
Here I've found a place I can hide
From the living from the living
Because I don't care to stay with the living
Oh the bottle has been to me
My closest friend my worst enemy
For a flavor I walked a fine life
Squandered it all and wasted my time
And I don't stand a chance among the living
For the lovers I've gambled and lost
Count my mistakes whatever the cost
I'll go off, I'll make myself scarce
Oh, come tomorrow
You won't find me here
Because I don't care to stay with the living
I don't think I'll remain with the living
And I don't care to stay with the living
No, I don't care to stay
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More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Isn't it pretty clear that this is about suicide? Or am I crazy. It's not about alcoholism... that reference indirect. The person in the song tried to self medicate with alcohol but it didn't work
What I get from this song is a person who is very disenchanted with life. The song mentions the bottle but you could substitute that with anything and I have my things I can substitute. I feel this way more now that I am getting older. There are things in my life that make me happy but there are things that just don't.
I can understand not wanting to stay among the living. It does not have to mean suicide. It can mean you just no longer have the desire to be around people any more. You see the world around you and the people who do not have the things you desire the most and it hurts. It could be not being addicted, people who have families that are happy, or any thing that just hurts you inside that much.
As I said before I am getting older, I always thought at this point in my life I would be with someone and happy but that is not the case. After so many failed relationships and trying to make things work with another person and having it always end up the same way has left me feeling much like this. I no longer care to be a part of the bigger world any longer.
I have family and a few friends and I am okay with it, but I no longer care to be a part of the rest. I prefer to spend my time taking care of the things I have to and pursuing the hobbies I have found that bring joy to my life. I do think the song is about a person who has not been able to find their joy, or find peace in something else that can bring them joy instead. It is not an easy thing to do. You have to accept the way things are, your own actions that helped bring you here, and that is not always easy for people to do.
@hifromme Wow, that's a lot to say for this song. Don't be so hard on yourself. We've all made mistakes. It's never too late. It sounds like you don't know what that joy is that you're looking for.
While the other songs on this album are powerful, this one and the one that plays before it (Effigy) are full of dispair. She's weak here. Shes giving up
this song just. wow. its sore. natalie merchant is amazing with words, all her songs just the words are so deep they can make you feel n think stuff that you never even knew was inside you. awesome.
This could be about the alcoholic who has hit rock bottom.