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.
Welcome to hard times
Back again like it's never been for the first time
It seem to mess with my head when I realize what it takes
Can I relate with whatever but never will it drive me to hate
Could be the next guy that you take before I wake
Now I lay me down to sleep eyes tight when I pray this here is real life
Circumstances make you think should I be counting my blessings
The next second my eyes blink
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
One love it's easier said than done
Can I rise above anything that gets in my way
Like words you say, you let your tongue get loose
And when push comes to shove, I'm not used to walking away
I keep on looking up, because these times are getting tough
Tomorrow's gone and it's the same old song
Father fill my cup, give me strength to power up
A life to shine, you'r the diamond in this rough
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
It ain't got to be like this
Don't want to throw up my fist
Don't want to be like this
Don't want to throw up my fist
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
Back again like it's never been for the first time
It seem to mess with my head when I realize what it takes
Can I relate with whatever but never will it drive me to hate
Could be the next guy that you take before I wake
Now I lay me down to sleep eyes tight when I pray this here is real life
Circumstances make you think should I be counting my blessings
The next second my eyes blink
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
One love it's easier said than done
Can I rise above anything that gets in my way
Like words you say, you let your tongue get loose
And when push comes to shove, I'm not used to walking away
I keep on looking up, because these times are getting tough
Tomorrow's gone and it's the same old song
Father fill my cup, give me strength to power up
A life to shine, you'r the diamond in this rough
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
It ain't got to be like this
Don't want to throw up my fist
Don't want to be like this
Don't want to throw up my fist
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
I must resist, it ain't got to be like this
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
You know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the southtown
Lyrics submitted by webfr34k, edited by desert1096
Southtown Lyrics as written by Mark Daniels Marcos Curiel
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think its about P.O.D.'s tough younger years growing up in the South Town near San Diego. It was a tough neighborhood and he followed God rather than resorting to violence. "dont want to throw up my fists, aint gots to be like this".