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.
Rules Of The Game Of Quoits
The girl in the rubber shoes
Has run away from home
To the gymnasium
The sun in the blinds is blue
& the girl moves through the room
Like an aquarium
Rules of the game of quoits
Use the dimmest light or the brightest light
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Rules of the game of quoits
On the softest matting or the hardest floor
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Tunics may be worn or torn away
& the rules of the game may be ignored
The boy with the ruddy face
Has left his place of work
For the gymnasium
He enters like a tent
Where the girl has left her scent
Like a geranium
Rules of the game of quoits
Use the softest matting or the hardest floor
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Rules of the game of quoits
If your posture's right you can thrust the quoit
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Tunics may be worn or torn away
& the rules of the game may be ignored
The girl in the rubber shoes
Pins the ruddy-faced boy to the floor
Of the gymnasium
She's crawling on the spot
She's the ink-rubber, he's the blot
& she erases him
Rules of the game of quoits
In the dimmest light or the brightest light
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Rules of the game of quoits
Bend your knees & swing through ninety degrees
When the hoops start melting and the sticks catch fire
Tunics may be worn or torn away
& the rules of the game may be ignored
For love will endure or not endure
Regardless of where we are
The girl in the rubber shoes
Has run away from home
To the gymnasium
The sun in the blinds is blue
& the girl moves through the room
Like an aquarium
Rules of the game of quoits
Use the dimmest light or the brightest light
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Rules of the game of quoits
On the softest matting or the hardest floor
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Tunics may be worn or torn away
& the rules of the game may be ignored
The boy with the ruddy face
Has left his place of work
For the gymnasium
He enters like a tent
Where the girl has left her scent
Like a geranium
Rules of the game of quoits
Use the softest matting or the hardest floor
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Rules of the game of quoits
If your posture's right you can thrust the quoit
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Tunics may be worn or torn away
& the rules of the game may be ignored
The girl in the rubber shoes
Pins the ruddy-faced boy to the floor
Of the gymnasium
She's crawling on the spot
She's the ink-rubber, he's the blot
& she erases him
Rules of the game of quoits
In the dimmest light or the brightest light
When the hoops start melting & the sticks catch fire
Rules of the game of quoits
Bend your knees & swing through ninety degrees
When the hoops start melting and the sticks catch fire
Tunics may be worn or torn away
& the rules of the game may be ignored
For love will endure or not endure
Regardless of where we are
Lyrics submitted by vchamberlain
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
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.