If I could open my arms
And span the length of the isle of Manhattan
I'd bring it to where you are
Making a lake of the East River and Hudson

If I could open my mouth
Wide enough for a marching band to march out
They would make your name sing
And bend through allies and bounce off all the buildings

I wish we could open our eyes
To see in all directions at the same
Oh what a beautiful view
If you were never aware of what was around you

And it is true what you said
That I live like a hermit in my own head
But when the sun shines again
I'll pull the curtains and blinds to let the light in

Sorrow drips into your heart through a pin hole
Just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound
But while you debate half empty and half full
It slowly rises, your love is gonna drown

Sorrow drips into your heart through a pin hole
Just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound
But while you debate half empty and half full
It slowly rises, your love is gonna drown

Sorrow drips into your heart through a pin hole
Just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound
But while you debate half empty and half full
It slowly rises, your love is gonna drown

Sorrow drips into your heart through a pin hole
Just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound
But while you debate half empty and half full
It slowly rises, your love is gonna drown

Your love is gonna drown
Your love is gonna drown
Your love is gonna drown
Your love is gonna


Lyrics submitted by Si_duffers

Marching Bands of Manhattan Lyrics as written by Benjamin Gibbard

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Marching Bands of Manhattan song meanings
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    General Comment

    I actually think that this song is about someone who wants to love but is somewhat embittered and therefore found themselves having difficulties showing his/her emotions and feelings, which is also described in the first two stanza's. He or she wants to open his/her heart but notices that it is difficult to do so. He or she is emotionally stuck. Hence probably also the stanza: "And it is true what you say That I live like a hermit in my own head But when the sun shines again I'll pull the curtains and blinds to let the light in" They want to open their eyes, heart and mind to all the positivity and love surrounding them, but that he/she didnt really see for a long time cause they slowly became more and more embittered and started to shut themselves more and more off from all the beauty surrounding them, probably out of fear of being hurt. Hence the chorus: "Sorrow drips into your heart through a pinhole just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound but while you debate half empty or half full it slowly rises your love is gonna drown"

    In short: they realize that they need to start opening themselves up and let the light in before it's too late.

    maanon April 08, 2009   Link

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