Don't Send the Searchlights

Though the song's meaning seems pretty straightforward, I glean it's about a girl who's very guarded and tries to keep the men who show interest in her at a distance. Whether this is done as a cautionary measure, means of empowerment or simply to avoid falling into a relationship, she likes to enjoy the night and new company without the politics they usually entail.

I'll always love THS, but Gold Motel is just lovely, and a nice change of pace.

Here's my interpretation of what the song means.

"Always leave before the lights go on. Before the party ends, before we hit the dawn. Always leave before tomorrow comes. All the greatest loves are the unfinished ones."

-I think this paragraph explains the actions of the narrator and what she does when in social situations, especially on dates. She thinks that relationships that hang by a thread are perfect for her when in reality they are not.

"Goodnight, goodbye. By the time you turn around, I'll be gone. I'll be gone."

This obviously describes what she does..she's basically saying that goodbye and you'll never see me again after I leave (I'll be gone)

"You're water color, you will wash away. The spark will only fade the longer that it stays. I've been looking for your silver lining. It's getting me nowhere. It's a waste of time."

She's saying that everybody she meets or gets in a relationship is a watercolor that will rub away. People will always disappear, and despite her looking for something that ensures a lasting relationship, she doesn't find it and believes it's just a waste of time (backing up her reasons for disappearing)

"Don't send the searchlights. You'll only waste your time, looking for what is gone. What's gone."

This says that the narrator is telling the other person not to send searchlights (or go look for her) because she's already gone and there's no point.

A really beautiful song. I love the hush sound and Gold Motel :) Greta is awesome on her own, as much as I miss the old days...sigh