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.
Drop the charges!
The fire and the power, you know
In the old time it was not a crime, drop the charges
You people don't you realize the sun rises?
(Drop the charges, man! Drop the charges)
(Right you are! And this time, let the people know)
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime (what are you talking about?)
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a, not a crime
Not a crime!
(It's all nonsensical)
Not a crime!
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a, not a crime
Not a crime
(Drop the charges)
Not a crime
Not a crime
Reality
Spices, creation, realization, naturalization
What are you talking about? It's all about time 'cos today you go to nature
(Not a crime)
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime
(Not a crime, not a crime)
Not a crime
Not a crime
Not a crime
Drop the charges
Not a crime
Not a crime
Not a crime
(It's not a crime, it's legal, perfectly natural)
The fire and the power, you know
In the old time it was not a crime, drop the charges
You people don't you realize the sun rises?
(Drop the charges, man! Drop the charges)
(Right you are! And this time, let the people know)
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime (what are you talking about?)
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a, not a crime
Not a crime!
(It's all nonsensical)
Not a crime!
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a, not a crime
Not a crime
(Drop the charges)
Not a crime
Not a crime
Reality
Spices, creation, realization, naturalization
What are you talking about? It's all about time 'cos today you go to nature
(Not a crime)
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime
In the old time, in the old time
In the old time it was not a crime
(Not a crime, not a crime)
Not a crime
Not a crime
Not a crime
Drop the charges
Not a crime
Not a crime
Not a crime
(It's not a crime, it's legal, perfectly natural)
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Eugene Hutz doesn't even do drugs, he only drinks alcohol.
I get the feeling that Ras Kush, the guest MC on the song, thought it was about marijuana though. If it weren't for his lyrics then I think most people wouldn't be confused and think the song is about something so trivial as pot.