Ghosts

Pretty obvious meaning here... It's a condemnation of child abuse. The lyrics seem to question why people have children in the first place, if they are then going to mistreat them. Matt's vocals in the song are stunning.

This is possibly my favourite song on the album. The lyrics are very obvious in meaning but the simplicity just adds to the emotion in the song. The guitar riff and Matt's vocals just work in such harmony in this song, they weave in and out of each other so well.

I agree with what gemhenz said, it does seem to be a condemnation of child abuse. It's a brilliant song, in my opinion. Certainly one of their best, I can remember reading the lyrics' book of this album. When I bought it and being blown away by the lyrics of this song... before I had even heard it! Exceptional.

the first part of the second verse is missed out, after the first chorus it should be

'Your family a little girl one little wonder with her back against the wall'

I know I go really deep into this. But here's my thoughts: Congratulations, it's a boy Buried underneath the afterbirth of joy (means parents that celebrated when their son was born, but after a while, they regretted having him, and metaphorically "buried" him. as in emotional neglect)

Sticks and stones will always break His bones can barely take the weight ("sticks and stones" means abuse. And it's saying here that he can barely take it)

Of your breath breathing down his neck again ("breathing down ones neck" is an idiom that means overbearing. And so in this context it might mean overprotective, toxic parents .)

Keep it to yourself 'Cause you don't need to ask Everything was golden Memories will last (People suspecting abuse in a person's life, and asking about it. But that person denies it, and insists everything is okay.)

Your family; a little girl (This changes stories now. I think now it's about a man adopting or fostering a little girl)

One little wonder with your back against the wall ("Back against the wall" means a situation with no escape.)

Kisses at bedtime never meant A life that came to represent (I think this is referring to sexual abuse, making the little girl feel like her life is worthless.)

Failings that she could not forget again (The man making "mistakes" as a father that traumatize her.)

Keep it to yourself 'Cause you don't need to ask Everything was golden Memories will last

She could not forget Breathing down his neck She could not forget (She can't forget his abuse)

Well the price you pay is never worth The pain to suffer the abuse (Children shouldn't have to pay the price of being abused just so they can have parents.)

Lay down and sleep with all the ghosts Again, again, again, again Lay down and sleep with all the ghosts Again, again, again, again Lay down and sleep with all the ghosts Again, again, again, again (Directed to child abusers. Its saying "good luck sleeping at night" when your actions should haunt you for every moment of the rest of your life)