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.
your body aches from all the alcohol you drank
but you tell yourself that you're still in control
woa-oh
and this chick's been talking for so long about herself
that you hope all of this listening pays off soon
well you heard that this was easy
and you understand
that every man has certain side of things he has to prove
you were only 16 about an hour ago
well you did not fear what you did not know
you went upstairs to get you what you've been waiting for
you took three deep breaths and held her hand real tight
you whispered "take it slow turn off the light"
you wonder if she's done this kind of thing before
this kind of thing before
16 candles are on this bed tonight
and with every piece of clothing you take off they die
these 16 candles will burn out tonight
and the fire won't rekindle once the last flame dies
you wake up oversure that something is amiss
the light beside your bed is on
your stomach hurts your pants are gone
the bits and pieces of the night fade in and out
you just can't comprehend
so you go and ask a friend
he said he saw you go upstairs
with a girl with darkish brownish hair
that you sort of kind of don't really remember
do you remember
16 candles are on this bed tonight
and with every piece of clothing you take off they die
these 16 candles will burn out tonight
and the fire won't rekindle once the last flame dies
you were only 16 about an hour ago
well you did not fear what you did not know
you went upstairs to get you what you've been waiting for
you took three deep breaths and held her hand real tight
you whispered "take it slow turn off the lights"
you wonder if she's done this kind of thing before
this kind of thing before
16 candles are on this bed tonight
and with every piece of clothing you take off they die
these 16 candles will burn out tonight
and the fire won't rekindle once the last flame dies
but you tell yourself that you're still in control
woa-oh
and this chick's been talking for so long about herself
that you hope all of this listening pays off soon
well you heard that this was easy
and you understand
that every man has certain side of things he has to prove
you were only 16 about an hour ago
well you did not fear what you did not know
you went upstairs to get you what you've been waiting for
you took three deep breaths and held her hand real tight
you whispered "take it slow turn off the light"
you wonder if she's done this kind of thing before
this kind of thing before
16 candles are on this bed tonight
and with every piece of clothing you take off they die
these 16 candles will burn out tonight
and the fire won't rekindle once the last flame dies
you wake up oversure that something is amiss
the light beside your bed is on
your stomach hurts your pants are gone
the bits and pieces of the night fade in and out
you just can't comprehend
so you go and ask a friend
he said he saw you go upstairs
with a girl with darkish brownish hair
that you sort of kind of don't really remember
do you remember
16 candles are on this bed tonight
and with every piece of clothing you take off they die
these 16 candles will burn out tonight
and the fire won't rekindle once the last flame dies
you were only 16 about an hour ago
well you did not fear what you did not know
you went upstairs to get you what you've been waiting for
you took three deep breaths and held her hand real tight
you whispered "take it slow turn off the lights"
you wonder if she's done this kind of thing before
this kind of thing before
16 candles are on this bed tonight
and with every piece of clothing you take off they die
these 16 candles will burn out tonight
and the fire won't rekindle once the last flame dies
Lyrics submitted by Indigo*Hippie
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