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.
I wish that I'd arrived a little sooner
You really should have called we'd have come here right away
You tried to help yourself but you got it wrong
You've thrown yourself
Into the flames 'cause you're covered in cold
But these are your friends
They give out a nice warm glow
You've tried so hard to see for yourself
Your perspective is wrong
These are your friends
Let them come guide you on
Listen now - now's the time to listen
There're lessons to be learned
I've seen this before in my own life
You feel covered up, removed from the world around you
With all your senses dulled you'd do anything to feel
You tried to help yourself, but you got it wrong
You've thrown yourself
Into the flames 'cause you're covered in cold
But these are your friends
They give out a nice warm glow
What have you done? You're cutting your cord
You're floating in space
But these are your friends
They'll be your star-map home
Everybody needs some help sometimes
You really should have called we'd have come here right away
You tried to help yourself but you got it wrong
You've thrown yourself
Into the flames 'cause you're covered in cold
But these are your friends
They give out a nice warm glow
You've tried so hard to see for yourself
Your perspective is wrong
These are your friends
Let them come guide you on
Listen now - now's the time to listen
There're lessons to be learned
I've seen this before in my own life
You feel covered up, removed from the world around you
With all your senses dulled you'd do anything to feel
You tried to help yourself, but you got it wrong
You've thrown yourself
Into the flames 'cause you're covered in cold
But these are your friends
They give out a nice warm glow
What have you done? You're cutting your cord
You're floating in space
But these are your friends
They'll be your star-map home
Everybody needs some help sometimes
Lyrics submitted by endlesswntr
These Are Your Friends Lyrics as written by Adem Sadi Ilhan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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For a few years now ive been constructing a mental list of all the songs that i think have the greatest one (or two, or three) liners in the lyrics, and this is probably number one:
What have you done? You're cutting your cord You're floating in space. But these are your friends, They'll be your star-map home
The imagery is positively incredible.
You may be right slavetothawage, however, in that context, the next line (they'll be your starmap home) doesnt really make much sense. i interpreted it differently;
I think its simply a metaphor dealing with astronauts, comparing it with friendship. see, when youre in space (outside of any protective shuttle or capsule in only your suit), you have a cord that keeps you attached to whatever it is that you wish to be attached to (the shuttle and whatnot). so what have you done? youre cutting that cord (which symbolizes friendship), now youre just floating in space, separated from that ground. But your friends are there regardless of what youve done to the friendship, and they'll be the starmap to guide you back to the ground, becuase everybody makes mistakes, and EVERYBODY needs some help sometimes.