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.
I'm cynical, they say
I'm petrified, maybe
Disgusted by his ways
And a conscience is clear
And I fear it is free to betray
Premeditated crime
Now he plans and drinks until it's time
A crutch to use upon his prey
She didn't know it's not the way to love
And I will judge a book by its cover
Because you know it's all we, know it's all we have
And I will judge a book by its cover
So break my binding and tear my paper
Just leave a page to sign your name
It's evident today
And the evidence lays awake
Regretting her last drink
Drank her way to the bed
And she said, "Go ahead," with a wink
Justifies his ways
Now he can't look at her face
He utters those three words
And she's oblivious, but tomorrow she will learn
And I will judge a book by its cover
Because you know it's all we, know it's all we have
And I will judge a book by its cover
So break my binding and tear my paper
Just leave a page to sign your name
Don't worry, I can keep a secret
Don't worry, he can keep a secret
Don't worry
Come on now, doll
You know you've got a secret
And I will judge a book by its cover
Because you know it's all we, you know it's all we have
And I will judge a book by its cover
So break my binding and tear my paper
Just leave a page to sign your name
I'm petrified, maybe
Disgusted by his ways
And a conscience is clear
And I fear it is free to betray
Premeditated crime
Now he plans and drinks until it's time
A crutch to use upon his prey
She didn't know it's not the way to love
And I will judge a book by its cover
Because you know it's all we, know it's all we have
And I will judge a book by its cover
So break my binding and tear my paper
Just leave a page to sign your name
It's evident today
And the evidence lays awake
Regretting her last drink
Drank her way to the bed
And she said, "Go ahead," with a wink
Justifies his ways
Now he can't look at her face
He utters those three words
And she's oblivious, but tomorrow she will learn
And I will judge a book by its cover
Because you know it's all we, know it's all we have
And I will judge a book by its cover
So break my binding and tear my paper
Just leave a page to sign your name
Don't worry, I can keep a secret
Don't worry, he can keep a secret
Don't worry
Come on now, doll
You know you've got a secret
And I will judge a book by its cover
Because you know it's all we, you know it's all we have
And I will judge a book by its cover
So break my binding and tear my paper
Just leave a page to sign your name
Lyrics submitted by barrett.the.ferrett
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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runintoyougirl pretty much hit the nail on the head.