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.
In your message you said, you were goin' to bed
But I'm not done with the night
So I stayed up and read, but your words in my head
Got me mixed up so I turned out the light
And I don't know how to slow it down
My mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
Now an ambulance screams while the silliest things
Are floppin' around in my brain
And I try not to dream up impossible schemes
That swim around, wanna drown me insane
And I don't know how to slow it down
Oh, my mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
And I don't know how, to slow it down
Oh, my mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
My mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
My mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
But I'm not done with the night
So I stayed up and read, but your words in my head
Got me mixed up so I turned out the light
And I don't know how to slow it down
My mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
Now an ambulance screams while the silliest things
Are floppin' around in my brain
And I try not to dream up impossible schemes
That swim around, wanna drown me insane
And I don't know how to slow it down
Oh, my mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
And I don't know how, to slow it down
Oh, my mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
My mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
My mind's racin' from chasin' pirates
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.
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”
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
I love this song! I've listened to it over & over again trying to figure out what she is talking about but my mind seems to wonder about my boyfriend & what he's doing. Then I realized that's what's Norah is talking about! I think she's talking about her mind wondering because that is what us women do! So this is how or why my interpretation is what it is.... The song starts out talking about "him" saying he left her a message stating he's going to bed. Then she don't feel like going to bed so she tries to read a book & can't seem to stop thinking about his message. (She don't believe he went to bed) Her mind wonders even more after turning off the lights. The chasing pirates is a metaphor meaning that the pirates are those that chase after a treasure. Like herself, a woman chasing after a dream of someone she thinks is her true love. The song is short and she repeats the words chasing pirates because its her mind wondering off and thinking more thoughts about what he's really doing but in reality they're only thoughts. Great job again Norah! I love this song!