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.
Well, I guess by the blood stain of your lips
And the wander of your fingertips
I should prove true to my emptiness
And stay here
Well, I'm just a kid of ill repute
But the skin I wear is my only suit
And you, you're just a substitute
For the one that I hold dear
You know, you could be anyone
God forgive my tasteless tongue
I never should have been set free
I claw my eyes, I skin my face
Beg somehow to be replaced
That's how we deal with boys like me
Well, I guess for this world so sick with loss
And your service is so free of cost
I should climb down off my rugged cross
And lay with you
But you know, by now it's half past late
And I only came here for escape
You you're just my next mistake
Like me to you
You know, you could be anyone
God forgive your unborn sons
I hope they don't end up like me
I drag my mind through streets of shame
Lay myself forgive the game
That's how we deal with boys like me
But despite what you've been told
I once had a soul
Left somewhere behind
A former friend of mine
And I hate to speak so free
But you mean nothing to me
So if the street lights they shine bright
I?ll get home tonight
I guess by the dim light in your eyes
And that to you all things come as a surprise
I should set the steel trap of your thighs
And dive right in
But to you I'm just a confused child
Insecure or in denial
Go raise your robes, go have your trial
I?ll let you win
You know, I could be anyone
God forgive what I should've done
A thoughts enough to guilty be
Yes, I guess I made this bed
But I?ll take the sidewalk instead
That's how we deal with boys like me
But despite what you've been told
I once had a soul
Left somewhere behind
A former friend of mine
And I hate to sound so true
But I mean nothing to you
So, if the street lights they shine bright
I?ll be home tonight
And the wander of your fingertips
I should prove true to my emptiness
And stay here
Well, I'm just a kid of ill repute
But the skin I wear is my only suit
And you, you're just a substitute
For the one that I hold dear
You know, you could be anyone
God forgive my tasteless tongue
I never should have been set free
I claw my eyes, I skin my face
Beg somehow to be replaced
That's how we deal with boys like me
Well, I guess for this world so sick with loss
And your service is so free of cost
I should climb down off my rugged cross
And lay with you
But you know, by now it's half past late
And I only came here for escape
You you're just my next mistake
Like me to you
You know, you could be anyone
God forgive your unborn sons
I hope they don't end up like me
I drag my mind through streets of shame
Lay myself forgive the game
That's how we deal with boys like me
But despite what you've been told
I once had a soul
Left somewhere behind
A former friend of mine
And I hate to speak so free
But you mean nothing to me
So if the street lights they shine bright
I?ll get home tonight
I guess by the dim light in your eyes
And that to you all things come as a surprise
I should set the steel trap of your thighs
And dive right in
But to you I'm just a confused child
Insecure or in denial
Go raise your robes, go have your trial
I?ll let you win
You know, I could be anyone
God forgive what I should've done
A thoughts enough to guilty be
Yes, I guess I made this bed
But I?ll take the sidewalk instead
That's how we deal with boys like me
But despite what you've been told
I once had a soul
Left somewhere behind
A former friend of mine
And I hate to sound so true
But I mean nothing to you
So, if the street lights they shine bright
I?ll be home tonight
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