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.
The scattered pages of a book by the sea
Held by the sand, washed by the waves
A shadow forms cast by a cloud
Skimming by as eyes of the past
But the rising tide absorbs them, effortlessly claiming
They told of one who tired of all
Singing "Praise him, praise him"
"We heed not flatterers," he cried
"By our command, waters retreat
Show my power, halt at my feet"
But the cause was lost, now cold winds blow
Far from the north, overcast ranks advance
Fear of the storm accusing with rage and scorn
The waves surround the sinking throne
Singing "Crown him, crown him"
"Those who love our majesty,
Show themselves!", all bent their knee
But he forced a smile even though his hopes
Lay dashed where offerings fell
Where they fell
"Nothing can my peace destroy
As long as none smile"
More opened ears and opened eyes
And soon they dared to laugh
See a little man with his face turning red
Though his story's often told you can tell he's dead
Held by the sand, washed by the waves
A shadow forms cast by a cloud
Skimming by as eyes of the past
But the rising tide absorbs them, effortlessly claiming
They told of one who tired of all
Singing "Praise him, praise him"
"We heed not flatterers," he cried
"By our command, waters retreat
Show my power, halt at my feet"
But the cause was lost, now cold winds blow
Far from the north, overcast ranks advance
Fear of the storm accusing with rage and scorn
The waves surround the sinking throne
Singing "Crown him, crown him"
"Those who love our majesty,
Show themselves!", all bent their knee
But he forced a smile even though his hopes
Lay dashed where offerings fell
Where they fell
"Nothing can my peace destroy
As long as none smile"
More opened ears and opened eyes
And soon they dared to laugh
See a little man with his face turning red
Though his story's often told you can tell he's dead
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae
Can-Utility and the Coastliners Lyrics as written by Phil Collins Anthony Banks
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I read somewhere that this song was actually about an outdoor gig that was rained out and canceled due to bad weather. It was originally called "Bye Bye Johnnie". Lines like "the rising tide absorbs them effortlessly playing" could very well mean the band playing. And the King Kanute story could very well be a metaphor that fits this.