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.
left some food wrapped up
in a plastic bag
on the kitchen table
way too long
i sat down to eat
next to the bag
i was too tired
to throw it out
i saw a swarm of fruit flies
i took the bag downstairs
when i came back
they were still there
flying jerky patterns
like snowflakes in the air
i’m sorry you’ve got nowhere to go
left straight right straight
i can’t find a reason
i know i’ll keep going but
i can’t find a reason
nothing looks right
nothing smells right
and i can’t land
geometric patterns
smearing out of control
only have enough gas left
for the beercan to the bowl
what can you do but go on?
oh no you make your own mistakes
i cannot bring them back to you
oh no you make your own mistakes
i cannot measure up to you
in a plastic bag
on the kitchen table
way too long
i sat down to eat
next to the bag
i was too tired
to throw it out
i saw a swarm of fruit flies
i took the bag downstairs
when i came back
they were still there
flying jerky patterns
like snowflakes in the air
i’m sorry you’ve got nowhere to go
left straight right straight
i can’t find a reason
i know i’ll keep going but
i can’t find a reason
nothing looks right
nothing smells right
and i can’t land
geometric patterns
smearing out of control
only have enough gas left
for the beercan to the bowl
what can you do but go on?
oh no you make your own mistakes
i cannot bring them back to you
oh no you make your own mistakes
i cannot measure up to you
Lyrics submitted by ruben
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I agree that the song is a metaphor, only using the fly as a representation of the way he perceived his life at that time. "What can you do but go on?" is the defining line of the song showing that although everything is "smearing out of control" and is in a frantic state, all you can do is go on.
It also is has very visual lyrics where hallucinogens could have either played a part in the lyrical writing or as a background to the initial "out of control life" meaning where the fly is seen by someone potentially trapped in their head while tripping.
Just the way I see it ^^ -geekstyle-