When the house was standing
You'd never have believed it
When the house was standing
You'd never have believed
The bricks and mortar
Have all given way
At first they resisted but then they began to sway
How can you say forever is at your command
How can you say the future's in the palm
In the palm of your hand
When the house was standing
You'd never have believed it
When the house was standing
You'd never have believed
That gaping hole was once a foundation
Where you stand now were tools in the basement
How can you say forever is at your command
How can you say the future in the palm
In the palm of your hand
You'd never have believed it
When the house was standing
You'd never have believed
The bricks and mortar
Have all given way
At first they resisted but then they began to sway
How can you say forever is at your command
How can you say the future's in the palm
In the palm of your hand
When the house was standing
You'd never have believed it
When the house was standing
You'd never have believed
That gaping hole was once a foundation
Where you stand now were tools in the basement
How can you say forever is at your command
How can you say the future in the palm
In the palm of your hand
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Obviously I'm not saying that's exactly what the song is about, but that's just what the lyrics and tone make me think of. I just get the impression that he's gone way out of his way to show this place to the person. I won't even get started on hidden meanings.
I think the song also functions as a song that bashes people who sell you on the future. Palm readers and preachers. Not really an angry song though. That’s just not Cake’s style.
At the root of the song: Don't be naive.
Then the person is dieing and falling apart. They fight death but eventually reach the end. It is basically a reminder that everyone will eventually die no matter how great you are. You must take care of things now and not wait for the future which may never come.
Happened to me, she was seemingly 100% in love with me, then she was gone, and there wasn't a god damned thing I could do about it. I felt very betrayed, "How can you say..."
I realize my personal experience has colored my interpretation of this song, but that's how I see it.
I love the line: "Where you stand now were tools in the basement."
Side note: My ex-wife hung the baskets on the wall. Literally.