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.
How would you mind if I moved in next door to you?
And then would you mind if I held up your door for you?
And maybe in time I could knock on your door
And you could answer and I could say; hello my name is Fred
And you could say hello my name is Marianne or Catherine
I don’t care, I’m new; I’m Fred
And you could invite me in to see your place that’s a very beautiful bedspread
And your kitchen is like mine not blue but red instead
And would you mind if I asked you if you live alone?
Because I had heard voices when passing or was it just the phone?
And then you could tell me your boyfriend calls you everyday
And I would suggest that he must have a lot to say
How would you mind if I moved in next door to you?
And then would you mind if I held up your door for you?
And maybe in time I could knock on your door
And you could answer and I could say; hello my name is Fred
You can come over anytime, borrow sugar or drink some wine
I’ve been alone now for several years, just me
I’ve got a collection of classic movies; I listen to music too
I’ve got a tight schedule but I don’t do the things most folks do
I detect from your accent that you must come from another place?
Your complexion is perfect I swear it’s Gods good grace
In time you’ll be glad that I moved in next door to you
And given notice I`ll make enough dinner for two
Call me at work and you´ll get right through
I will answer; and you could say;
Hello is that you Fred?
And then would you mind if I held up your door for you?
And maybe in time I could knock on your door
And you could answer and I could say; hello my name is Fred
And you could say hello my name is Marianne or Catherine
I don’t care, I’m new; I’m Fred
And you could invite me in to see your place that’s a very beautiful bedspread
And your kitchen is like mine not blue but red instead
And would you mind if I asked you if you live alone?
Because I had heard voices when passing or was it just the phone?
And then you could tell me your boyfriend calls you everyday
And I would suggest that he must have a lot to say
How would you mind if I moved in next door to you?
And then would you mind if I held up your door for you?
And maybe in time I could knock on your door
And you could answer and I could say; hello my name is Fred
You can come over anytime, borrow sugar or drink some wine
I’ve been alone now for several years, just me
I’ve got a collection of classic movies; I listen to music too
I’ve got a tight schedule but I don’t do the things most folks do
I detect from your accent that you must come from another place?
Your complexion is perfect I swear it’s Gods good grace
In time you’ll be glad that I moved in next door to you
And given notice I`ll make enough dinner for two
Call me at work and you´ll get right through
I will answer; and you could say;
Hello is that you Fred?
Lyrics submitted by Allyclan
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"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
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.