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.
Anthony, bullied at school
Get your own back, now you are cool
Or are you scared?
Bunking off though you're a toff
It's all gone wrong again, you've got double maths
And the teacher's got no control so
The boys will run riot, you will stay quiet
Or you will die
Tony at the back of the gym
Smoke another one, your chances are slim
Cause here they come again
And they got you on the ground
Tasting blood again, at least it's your own
When will you realize that it never pays
To be smarter than teachers
Smarter than most boys?
Shut your mouth, start kicking the football
Bang on the teeth, you're off for a week boy
You may as well take it in the guts, it can't get worse
Take it in the guts, it can't get worse than this
You'll soon be old enough to leave them
And without a notion of a care
You'll lift two fingers in the air to linger there
Tony, you're a bit of a mess
Melted Toblerone under your dress
And if the boys could see you they would pass you right bye
Blue mascara running over your eye
When will you realize that it never pays
To be smarter than teachers
Smarter than most boys?
Shut your mouth, start kicking the football
Bang on the teeth, you're off for a week boy
They call you Lord Anthony
But hey, it could be worse than
Lord Anthony, but hey, it could be worse than
Lord Anthony, but hey, it kind of suits you anyway
You'll soon be old enough to leave them
And without a notion of a care
You'll lift two fingers in the air to linger there
Get your own back, now you are cool
Or are you scared?
Bunking off though you're a toff
It's all gone wrong again, you've got double maths
And the teacher's got no control so
The boys will run riot, you will stay quiet
Or you will die
Tony at the back of the gym
Smoke another one, your chances are slim
Cause here they come again
And they got you on the ground
Tasting blood again, at least it's your own
When will you realize that it never pays
To be smarter than teachers
Smarter than most boys?
Shut your mouth, start kicking the football
Bang on the teeth, you're off for a week boy
You may as well take it in the guts, it can't get worse
Take it in the guts, it can't get worse than this
You'll soon be old enough to leave them
And without a notion of a care
You'll lift two fingers in the air to linger there
Tony, you're a bit of a mess
Melted Toblerone under your dress
And if the boys could see you they would pass you right bye
Blue mascara running over your eye
When will you realize that it never pays
To be smarter than teachers
Smarter than most boys?
Shut your mouth, start kicking the football
Bang on the teeth, you're off for a week boy
They call you Lord Anthony
But hey, it could be worse than
Lord Anthony, but hey, it could be worse than
Lord Anthony, but hey, it kind of suits you anyway
You'll soon be old enough to leave them
And without a notion of a care
You'll lift two fingers in the air to linger there
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Yo La Tengo
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Great version of a great song,
Whenever I've listened to this song, I got the idea that the protaganist that Stuart Murdoch is singing about was a boy, hence the lines "you’re off for a week boy" " Smarter than most boys" But I completely agree with the interpretation that this song is about growing up isolated and dreaming of leaving it all behind.