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.
You've been gone too long
Where can you be
They said three months
You'd come for me
I've shouted "where?"
Out at the sea
'Cause your my love, my family
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate girl and that terrifies me
Can you hear me love?
My heart's the sea
It swirls and breaks
Since we can't be
I'm gonna build this sail
And they'll need me
Then we'll have kids, a family
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate man and that terrifies me
(Hey, ey-)
Baby birds don't sing
In this old tree
And I've come down
Listen to the sea
So I must go
My bones cost me
To an earthen home to cradle me
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate girl and that terrifies me
I praise the lord, now "I'll do it"
For an ancient promise
I could not keep
But I'm her lover
And death do me
This swirling ocean
Is the end of me
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate man and that terrifies me
(Hey, ey-)
Where can you be
They said three months
You'd come for me
I've shouted "where?"
Out at the sea
'Cause your my love, my family
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate girl and that terrifies me
Can you hear me love?
My heart's the sea
It swirls and breaks
Since we can't be
I'm gonna build this sail
And they'll need me
Then we'll have kids, a family
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate man and that terrifies me
(Hey, ey-)
Baby birds don't sing
In this old tree
And I've come down
Listen to the sea
So I must go
My bones cost me
To an earthen home to cradle me
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate girl and that terrifies me
I praise the lord, now "I'll do it"
For an ancient promise
I could not keep
But I'm her lover
And death do me
This swirling ocean
Is the end of me
I've waited for the leaves to fall
For old John Wayne to save us all
I want out both my hands and knees
I'm a desperate man and that terrifies me
(Hey, ey-)
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"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.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Dreamwalker
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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.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
These mondegreen lyrics are hilarious! John Wayne? The film star anti-hero?? This song's about Roanoke Colony and John White's request that they mark a tree as well as using the legend as a metaphor for a modern situation. "John Wayne" should be "John White" "Want out" should be "worn out" "I'm gonna build this sail" should be "Soon a boat will sail" My bones "cost" me (?) should be "My bones must leave" I praise the lord, now "I'll do it" (??) should be "I've faced alone, now I do weep for," "But I'm her lover And death do me" should read "I've heard lovers in death do meet"
Aw I really love this song and have done for a while - pleased to see there's some lyrics now! "I'm a desperate girl, and that terrifies me!" It's just too damn catchy!
probably my favorite song off the album. the lyrics pretty much speak for themselves.
i think it's John White, not John Wayne. at least that's what i remember from the liner notes
it should be "i've WORN out both my hands and my knees"