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.
Drove to the church
In my suit and tie
But I just couldn't bring myself
To go inside
So I sat alone
In my truck across the street
Watched that chauffeur smokin' cigarettes
By that long white limousine
I could just imagine
What was goin' on in there
Sunlight streamin' through the stained glass
And those flowers in her hair
And in less time than it takes a tear to fall
Those bells rang loud as thunder
As they opened up the doors
Now I don't have to wonder anymore
Laughin' and a cryin'
Tossin' that bouquet
And when you got in that limo
I drove off the other way
And I still don't know
Why things happened like they did
But I parked that old pickup
On that lonesome river bridge
I took your ring from my pocket
And I held it one last time
Watched that diamond sparkle
I drew back and I let her fly
And in less time than it takes to tear to fall
Oh that old ring went under
Lord and now it's gone for sure
No and I don't have to wonder anymore
Well the angels sang like thunder
As I felt myself go under
Now I don't have to wonder anymore
In my suit and tie
But I just couldn't bring myself
To go inside
So I sat alone
In my truck across the street
Watched that chauffeur smokin' cigarettes
By that long white limousine
I could just imagine
What was goin' on in there
Sunlight streamin' through the stained glass
And those flowers in her hair
And in less time than it takes a tear to fall
Those bells rang loud as thunder
As they opened up the doors
Now I don't have to wonder anymore
Laughin' and a cryin'
Tossin' that bouquet
And when you got in that limo
I drove off the other way
And I still don't know
Why things happened like they did
But I parked that old pickup
On that lonesome river bridge
I took your ring from my pocket
And I held it one last time
Watched that diamond sparkle
I drew back and I let her fly
And in less time than it takes to tear to fall
Oh that old ring went under
Lord and now it's gone for sure
No and I don't have to wonder anymore
Well the angels sang like thunder
As I felt myself go under
Now I don't have to wonder anymore
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
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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.
I think this is a good song but very sad. I get that he is so heartbroken from the marriage of his ex that he first throws her old ring into the river then jumps off the bridge himself, ending his misery.
i agree with mj85 you can feel the sadness through the lyrics and the way garth sings them. i would love a song about the relationship between the woman and the man prior to their break up.
This song brings me to tears almost every time
Maybe he jumped in the river to get the ring back, not to commit suicide. He realized he could take the ring to the pawn shop to get some fast cash. He would then have enough money to go to Vegas and meet some cool cow girls that want to drink and party?