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.
I don't know what you've been told
(I don't know what you've been told)
But this starts now, walk tall walk tall
(But this starts now, walk tall walk tall)
(x4)
Rule number 1 be bright like the sun
Whether rude whether flawed like it's just begun
Rule number 1 be the only thing they see
Rule number 2 do all you can do
Look them all in the eye and leave them to fly
Rule number 2 be as bright as you can be
I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller
Rule number 3 forget where you've been
Cut your ties to the past and wave it goodbye
Rule number 3 take anything you need
Discipline appearing in marshals never caught before
Just like a terminator walking like a steel board
No I couldn't stay I've really got to go
I'm getting taller (x4)
I'm getting taller (x4)
I don't know what you've been told
(I don't know what you've been told)
But this starts now, walk tall walk tall
(But this starts now, walk tall walk tall)
(x2)
(I don't know what you've been told)
But this starts now, walk tall walk tall
(But this starts now, walk tall walk tall)
(x4)
Rule number 1 be bright like the sun
Whether rude whether flawed like it's just begun
Rule number 1 be the only thing they see
Rule number 2 do all you can do
Look them all in the eye and leave them to fly
Rule number 2 be as bright as you can be
I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller
Rule number 3 forget where you've been
Cut your ties to the past and wave it goodbye
Rule number 3 take anything you need
Discipline appearing in marshals never caught before
Just like a terminator walking like a steel board
No I couldn't stay I've really got to go
I'm getting taller (x4)
I'm getting taller (x4)
I don't know what you've been told
(I don't know what you've been told)
But this starts now, walk tall walk tall
(But this starts now, walk tall walk tall)
(x2)
Lyrics submitted by gat0rjay
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Did my best, I know I may have botched a few lines. If you have corrections let me know and I'll get to them in a semi-timely manner. Thanks.
Lyrics look good. Any thoughts over the meaning to the song? Kinda reminds me a little of 'Hunting for Witches' in the way that he's almost poking fun at something, maybe people's obsession for becoming famous?
to me this song symbolises a new start in something.
for me, i'm just about to go to uni after a crap gap year of illness. i'm better now and this song represents a new chapter in my life :)
THIS STARTS NOW (uni, new chapter) WALK TALL, WALK TALL! (i can do anything!)
im probably wrong but when i heard this the first thing i thought was that its about celebrity, like how someone who wants to be an actor/actress should act or how they do act
Kele came out in 2010, announcing he was gay in March. The Boxer was then released in June of 2010.
This song is the first on the album, making a statement. To me it's about being proud and losing the negativity in your life, and being true to yourself. The song has strong military components (i.e the rythym and tone of the opening verse) making it almost like an ongoing, repetitive battle. There'll always be negativity in the world towards those who go against traditional belief systems regarding sexuality (i.e I don't know what you've been told, but this starts now walk tall walk tall.)and I reckon it's him making a stand and encouraging others to also. It does symbolise a new start.
Amazing song <3 xo