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.
Don't go getting yourself in a knot
Looking for a story but you have no plot
Communication lines are starting to rot
And I can't give you what I haven't got
If I could make the world stop still for you
I wouldn't waste another moment thinking it through
But the capabilities I have not
And I can't give you what I haven't got
You're wanting me to be something that I can't see
You're wanting me to do something I can't do
And it's always just the same
And I'm still playin' in this endless game
I wonder if you even know my name?
And I can't give you what I haven't got
You're wanting me to be something that I can't see
You're wanting me to do something I can't do so
Don't go getting yourself in a knot
Looking for a story but you have no plot
Communication lines are starting to rot
And I can't give you what I haven't got
Take the car, the house, the dog, the boat the whole fuckin' lot
But I can't give you what I haven't got
Looking for a story but you have no plot
Communication lines are starting to rot
And I can't give you what I haven't got
If I could make the world stop still for you
I wouldn't waste another moment thinking it through
But the capabilities I have not
And I can't give you what I haven't got
You're wanting me to be something that I can't see
You're wanting me to do something I can't do
And it's always just the same
And I'm still playin' in this endless game
I wonder if you even know my name?
And I can't give you what I haven't got
You're wanting me to be something that I can't see
You're wanting me to do something I can't do so
Don't go getting yourself in a knot
Looking for a story but you have no plot
Communication lines are starting to rot
And I can't give you what I haven't got
Take the car, the house, the dog, the boat the whole fuckin' lot
But I can't give you what I haven't got
Lyrics submitted by Blaupunked
I Can't Give You What I Haven't Got Lyrics as written by Christopher John Cheney
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
i love this song the vocals are madicle (haha CoinXOperatedXGirl).. the song is straightforward and easy to interpret which is one of the best things about it. the living end are the best australian band ever :)
1 comment!!!!!!!!!!! this song is sic, more comments people
...... You people (excluding the two above me) disgrace me...... The Living Eond is one of the best aussie bands! Like huggies said....MORE COMMENTS!
Meaning is straight forward.
lovin the film clip too!!! so good. go tle for writing a song like this. reminds us what we should really be doing!!!
oxweaselxo
haha the film clip rocks...
bastard
guitar solo is mad
i love tle and i hope they play this when i see them :D
4 me this song is about a divorce chris says that there is no love left in the relationship and he wants to end it however in the divorce the partner has said that she wants all his stuff he says take it I don't need it I just want u 2 love me but he now that's not going 2 happen
Yay! I agree with haydos. Nice brief dude!! Umm...I think this is the living end is de best!! You know what really sucks??? I was heaps into them before my bro was and then he goes and sees them in concert without me and before me! :'(
GO LIVING END!!