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.
Almost ran over a man a few hours ago
never saw him coming he moved so slow
in his army jacket and VA wheelchair
holding a sign up in the air
the light turned green maybe if he stood
I woulda seen him just over the hood
but it's hard to stand with one leg gone
he apologized then he moved along
I turned left on 6 right on cherry lane
where the paper mill she gets her name
my daddy worked here and I did too
learned what a decent wage could do
lost track of all the for sale signs
folks'll take a look but then decline
'cause they don't need paper from here no more
get it cheaper down at the wal-mart store
I don't think I can take it anymore
Theater in town used to pack 'em in
we'd hold rally's there when the boys would win
I can hear the echoes driving past
navigating through all the broken glass
name your poison you can get it here
we got entrepreneurs and auctioneers
get your syringe at the five and dime
fix yourself beneath the bush/cheney sign
Used to be music coming outta the bars
now it's broken heads and stolen cars
old joe wasn't waiting for the wrecking ball
he started the fire in the bathroom stall
insurance fought him tooth and nail
but he got his money before he went to jail
now the drinks come with the pimps whores
and the barkeep with the running sores
I don't think I can take it anymore
Kids with one eye open at the bus depot
checking on the wall for someplace to go
used to join the union now they join a gang
oblivious to the harangue...
that their mother hangs on the kitchen wall
she can't be home as you may recall
job number 2 starts at 5am
and tomorrow she gets up and does it again
Started stocking shelves for uncle sam
that's sam walton for those who don't understand
there's plenty of work to get 'round here
hour's wage get you a six pack of beer
there's an old man greeting people at the door
served his country in the second world war
takes so many pills...not sure what they're for
says he won't accept a handout that's for sure
I don't think I can take it anymore
Heard the president talking 'bout the war
somebody asked him what it was all for
oil started running down his nose
wiped it with the flag and the whole world froze
next day all those with true beliefs
starting carrying red white and blue handkerchiefs
wiping their snot on the infidels
alternating between prayer and the rebel yell
Jesus may save but he's late getting here
when their ain't nothing left at least the coast is clear
it's not like we're very hard to find
just follow the track 'till the end of the line
red state blue state beggar man thief
just sign right here and you can get relief
another local boy died in your nice little war
if all else fails I can join the corps
I don't think I can take it anymore
never saw him coming he moved so slow
in his army jacket and VA wheelchair
holding a sign up in the air
the light turned green maybe if he stood
I woulda seen him just over the hood
but it's hard to stand with one leg gone
he apologized then he moved along
I turned left on 6 right on cherry lane
where the paper mill she gets her name
my daddy worked here and I did too
learned what a decent wage could do
lost track of all the for sale signs
folks'll take a look but then decline
'cause they don't need paper from here no more
get it cheaper down at the wal-mart store
I don't think I can take it anymore
Theater in town used to pack 'em in
we'd hold rally's there when the boys would win
I can hear the echoes driving past
navigating through all the broken glass
name your poison you can get it here
we got entrepreneurs and auctioneers
get your syringe at the five and dime
fix yourself beneath the bush/cheney sign
Used to be music coming outta the bars
now it's broken heads and stolen cars
old joe wasn't waiting for the wrecking ball
he started the fire in the bathroom stall
insurance fought him tooth and nail
but he got his money before he went to jail
now the drinks come with the pimps whores
and the barkeep with the running sores
I don't think I can take it anymore
Kids with one eye open at the bus depot
checking on the wall for someplace to go
used to join the union now they join a gang
oblivious to the harangue...
that their mother hangs on the kitchen wall
she can't be home as you may recall
job number 2 starts at 5am
and tomorrow she gets up and does it again
Started stocking shelves for uncle sam
that's sam walton for those who don't understand
there's plenty of work to get 'round here
hour's wage get you a six pack of beer
there's an old man greeting people at the door
served his country in the second world war
takes so many pills...not sure what they're for
says he won't accept a handout that's for sure
I don't think I can take it anymore
Heard the president talking 'bout the war
somebody asked him what it was all for
oil started running down his nose
wiped it with the flag and the whole world froze
next day all those with true beliefs
starting carrying red white and blue handkerchiefs
wiping their snot on the infidels
alternating between prayer and the rebel yell
Jesus may save but he's late getting here
when their ain't nothing left at least the coast is clear
it's not like we're very hard to find
just follow the track 'till the end of the line
red state blue state beggar man thief
just sign right here and you can get relief
another local boy died in your nice little war
if all else fails I can join the corps
I don't think I can take it anymore
Lyrics submitted by azkm
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.