Kings of Leon – Black Thumbnail

"Black Thumbnail" as written by and Nathan/followill Followill....
My cold, cold sailor heart says, "Get on your way."
I ain't too proud to say it but that's how I'm made
I'll be that person 'till my dying day
I try so awful hard but I can't change

From runways to the road I ramble alone
This thumbnail sized heart is black as coal
Though beauty it still bring me to my knee
Don't waste a tear on me this my disease

Don't leave no smell on me
Don't leave no smell on me
I've run off in your sleep
Don't leave no smell on me

Those preppy boys in blue they're making fun of us
So we take it to the street 'cause we're an ornery cuss
But we're not here to make your children bleed
We're here to come around with the tumbleweed

Don't leave no smell on me
Don't leave no smell on me
I've run up in your sleeve
Don't leave no smell on me

Now guitar, go get her

Don't take these boots off me when you thinking I'm dead
I'll still be running from the demon in my head
I'll be that person 'till my dying day
I try so awful hard but I can't change

Don't leave no smell on me
Don't leave no smell on me
I know I'm up your sleeve
Don't leave no smell on me

Don't leave no, no smell


Lyrics submitted by Razorlight16

"Black Thumbnail" as written by Jared Followill Caleb Followill

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Black Thumbnail song meanings
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18 Comments

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  • +4
    General CommentIn a rolling stone article on kings of leon it says: 'black thumbnail was inspired by one of their cousins who had done a bit of time for various offences they don't want to detail. He was once asked if he thought his ex-wife had a heart. He replied "yeah, it's about the size of my thumbnail and black as coal'
    geri22on April 01, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentTrials and tribulations of touring; only a band with such touring experience like KOL could write a song like this
    joshuakinon March 13, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentFavourite off the new album - I love how he doesn't pronounce clearly his lyrics (which is why I'm here) - he gives off an ambigous sound (I thought he said, "I leave on Sunday")

    Anyway - great stuff from the great KOL
    bkat004on March 27, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentIn a rolling stone article on kings of leon it says: 'black thumbnail was inspired by one of their cousins who had done a bit of time for various offences they don't want to detail. He was once asked if he thought his ex-wife had a heart. He replied "yeah, it's about the size of my thumbnail and black as coal'
    geri22on April 01, 2007   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    General CommentHe says Dont Leave no Smell on me
    Dont Leave no Smell on me
    I'll burn off in your sleep
    Dont Leave no Smell on me
    according to the lyrics book.
    one of my faves on the new album
    Persuasionon April 04, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentPersonally, I think he says "Now, guitar, go guitar" not "Now get her, go get her". But that's just based on the assumption that some people pronounce guitar GIT-tar and that Matthew plays a solo after he says it.
    mcfuggon April 27, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentIt's about Caleb, and the fact that whenever he gets close to a girl, he feels himself pull away, in part due to the fact that growing up they never got close to people outside the family as they were always upping sticks and moving. its kind of the frustration he feels that he goes cold on relationships before they've even begun. but thats just 'how i'm made'.
    dirtyegoon July 16, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentWow I thought he said "Don't leave me lonely"... still great song though
    QueenOfLeonon September 22, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentYes i agree geri22 about the rolling stone article,
    but for me this song is about Bi-Polar disorder, which ( i think if im right) is calebs , learn a lil about bipolar and re-listen to the record this verse =
    From runways to the road I ramble alone
    This thumbnail size of heart is black as coal
    Though beauty it still brings me to my knees
    Don't waste a tear on me it's my disease

    and this verse
    Don't take these boots off me when you think that I'm dead
    I'll still be running from the demon in my head
    I'll be that person till my dying day
    I try so awful hard but I can't change

    maybe im biased a i have bipolar and this is what the songs seems a feels like to me
    grizzlydandanson February 14, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Commentif it is about bi polar, then the music fits well with the concept
    light_bulb101on June 08, 2008   Link

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