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.
can you smell him?
he smells like mothballs.
can you feel that net?
i was so young then.
he grew old and couldn’t play with them.
and my brother would always give them away
to the man with the jungle in his backyard
and a train set in his garage.
you see, no one drove us then,
and his mother broke her hip three times.
serves her right.
her son killed monarchs,
and other things i liked to watch fly.
he smells like mothballs.
can you feel that net?
i was so young then.
he grew old and couldn’t play with them.
and my brother would always give them away
to the man with the jungle in his backyard
and a train set in his garage.
you see, no one drove us then,
and his mother broke her hip three times.
serves her right.
her son killed monarchs,
and other things i liked to watch fly.
Lyrics submitted by DarkerShadeofWinter
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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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i think he hates the man because he feels so much for the butterflies. thats why he can feel the net and the man smells like mothballs to him (butterflies and moths probably dont like the smell since its the same kind of animals?) the man liked butterflies too when he was young but since he grew old he only collects them now. the other kids catch them for the man, maybe as a trade to play with his train set
thats what i think xD