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.
Cotton candy and a rotten mouth
You know you're so fucked up
You know I couldn't help but have it for you
And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
And knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked up
I'm totally fucked up
Wish you were here
And streets that only turn to boulevards
And houses with back yards
And it is raining like hell on the cars
And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
Knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked
I'm totally fucked
Wish you were here
And if I could have my way
We'd take some drugs
And we'd smile
We'd smile
We'd smile
But not tonight, my dear
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
You know you're so fucked up
You know I couldn't help but have it for you
And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
And knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked up
I'm totally fucked up
Wish you were here
And streets that only turn to boulevards
And houses with back yards
And it is raining like hell on the cars
And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
Knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked
I'm totally fucked
Wish you were here
And if I could have my way
We'd take some drugs
And we'd smile
We'd smile
We'd smile
But not tonight, my dear
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Lyrics submitted by BlueAndStarry
Wish You Were Here Lyrics as written by Ryan Adams Brad Rice
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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finally, there is a pretty good song about missing somebody you love. a song, that you can just say about "yeah, i wish you were here. it would be better." without bursting into tears. it's like a notice and not only feeling sorry for oneself. anybody who doesn't know the song and just reads the lyrics would think i am completely stupid.. but it's the melody. it's declaring that it is just the way it is.
Wow... I really like this song, but the first time I heard it I thought it sounded like Ryan Adams had a fit of Tourette syndrome or something. A lot of curse words. Haha
And if I could have my way We'd take some drug and we'd smile hahahaha. a love song of a different sort. cracks me up. good song.
It's hard to say what ANYONE really intends a song to mean when they write it... but this is what I take from it:
Maybe he broke up with the girl, or vice versa... and even though he may diss her or whatever, it doesn't change that he misses her and wishes that he could be with her. You know, I'm sure you've all been there. You hate someone who left you, but you'd still do anything to get back with them. I think it's like that
This is one of my favorite non-traditional love songs. Just saying "when im with you, its so fucked up and we're bad for each other sometimes. but.. its love" I like it because it's not sappy, it's real. amazing song.
Cotton candy and a rotten mouth, (you know youre so fucked up) You know I couldn't help but have it for you.
This is about being a mess and falling for someone just as bad as (if not worse than) yourself. The situation is "totally fucked up" because they're both fucked-up indivduals. He hates that everyone knows what a mess it is, because they don't get it. His surroundings are boring him and people just don't understand miserable, fucked-up relationships. He wishes he could just be with his wreck of a lover, with their bad drug-using habits because at least it's more entertaining.
love this song, great song to listen when your driving.. i love when he curses...
i must be totally fucked up cos this song makes me ridiculously happy and i'd use this song as an expression of my love for my boyfriend. it perfectly captures the feelings that go with life in a shit heap town: you're bored, the one you love lives elsewhere and drugs are your means of entertainment & escape.
Roll the windows down, turn Ryan up.
Yell louder when he says he's fucked and laugh when he say's if he could have his way he'd take some drug.
This song makes you feel alright.
consider ryan to be company and nothing less.