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.
Got an angel on the stairs
As if you'd even care
When the lights are up
And the sun had nearly gone, down
Did you see him on the street
Did you pass him at your feet
Did you think at all
How dare they even look me in the eye
And he loves the girls
And he loves the boys
Gonna make
Twenty dollars before the weekend's over
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Got a ticket to a show
Did you see him take a blow
When the drunk one said
Cat Stevens was the greatest singer
Did you kick him in the head
Did you see the blood run down
Did you laugh at all
When the people walked right by and said aloud
Gutter punks, you're all the same
Gonna make
Twenty dollars 'fore the weekend's over
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Set him up
Let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the King of New Orleans
Radio in my head
Radio in my car
Goin' down again
He's goin' down, again
Any way you look
Any way you talk it over
It's easier
To let it slip out of your mind
But it rips your heart out
Then it kicks your head in
Would ya you give him one more chance
Try and see the beauty in his world
All the way in on my hands
In on my feet and shoulders
Gonna make
Twenty dollars before the weekends over
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Yeah
As if you'd even care
When the lights are up
And the sun had nearly gone, down
Did you see him on the street
Did you pass him at your feet
Did you think at all
How dare they even look me in the eye
And he loves the girls
And he loves the boys
Gonna make
Twenty dollars before the weekend's over
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Got a ticket to a show
Did you see him take a blow
When the drunk one said
Cat Stevens was the greatest singer
Did you kick him in the head
Did you see the blood run down
Did you laugh at all
When the people walked right by and said aloud
Gutter punks, you're all the same
Gonna make
Twenty dollars 'fore the weekend's over
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Set him up
Let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the King of New Orleans
Radio in my head
Radio in my car
Goin' down again
He's goin' down, again
Any way you look
Any way you talk it over
It's easier
To let it slip out of your mind
But it rips your heart out
Then it kicks your head in
Would ya you give him one more chance
Try and see the beauty in his world
All the way in on my hands
In on my feet and shoulders
Gonna make
Twenty dollars before the weekends over
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
Yeah
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
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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.
To me, this song makes me think about post-hurricane New Orleans. God save New Orleans!