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.
Somewhere between the darkness and light
Faces all glow but its not too bright
Civilization, its all about knives and forks
Isn't she here? What time is it now?
Is this the right place? Do I fit with her crowd?
I'm gonna be a civilized man someday
Part of me wants to jump and shout
Part of me wants to tear it down
I thought you might prefer the Cabernet
Civilization, its all about sex
Havin' a ball in a padded banquet
I'm gonna be that really cool guy someday
The waiter looks me over
Would you like cream or sugar?
I don't know, what was I supposed to say
She wonders if I'll notice
I should have brought some roses
Her plate is full, she hasn't eaten all day
Glasses collect we order some booze
She looks at me, I stare at her shoes
Mature situations, maybe a broken heart
Maybe I ought to pay the bill
Maybe she thinks I never will
A million things that cross a woman's mind
Just be yourself, well that's what they say
I barely know who I was yesterday
I'm gonna be that civilized guy someday
Good friends and conversations
The rise and fall of nations
A moments glory and they've had their day
And on my high school folder
I drew a big gorilla
Something familiar, something far, far away
Somewhere between the darkness and light
She touches my hand, she don't seem to mind
We can go home, we can be civilized
Faces all glow but its not too bright
Civilization, its all about knives and forks
Isn't she here? What time is it now?
Is this the right place? Do I fit with her crowd?
I'm gonna be a civilized man someday
Part of me wants to jump and shout
Part of me wants to tear it down
I thought you might prefer the Cabernet
Civilization, its all about sex
Havin' a ball in a padded banquet
I'm gonna be that really cool guy someday
The waiter looks me over
Would you like cream or sugar?
I don't know, what was I supposed to say
She wonders if I'll notice
I should have brought some roses
Her plate is full, she hasn't eaten all day
Glasses collect we order some booze
She looks at me, I stare at her shoes
Mature situations, maybe a broken heart
Maybe I ought to pay the bill
Maybe she thinks I never will
A million things that cross a woman's mind
Just be yourself, well that's what they say
I barely know who I was yesterday
I'm gonna be that civilized guy someday
Good friends and conversations
The rise and fall of nations
A moments glory and they've had their day
And on my high school folder
I drew a big gorilla
Something familiar, something far, far away
Somewhere between the darkness and light
She touches my hand, she don't seem to mind
We can go home, we can be civilized
Lyrics submitted by windmills221b
Civilization Lyrics as written by David Byrne
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
I think the song is just pointing out how our definition of civilization is trivial. He does by making a fancy dinner seem very uncivilized. These things do not make you civilized.