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.
killing your darlings ain't easy
i ain't saying it is
holding the knife above Isaac,
he's just a kid
son, you will be many
look at the stars above
tell me how many you're thinking of
chorus
the ships we took far are weeping at the harbor
can you lend us a shoulder?
jacob please take me up your secret ladder
i just need a reminder
the candlelight is fading
i'm squinting at the page
trying to find the words to keep faith
so paint my eyes with saliva if that's what it takes
the heart is such a heartbreaker when it breaks
i ain't saying it is
holding the knife above Isaac,
he's just a kid
son, you will be many
look at the stars above
tell me how many you're thinking of
chorus
the ships we took far are weeping at the harbor
can you lend us a shoulder?
jacob please take me up your secret ladder
i just need a reminder
the candlelight is fading
i'm squinting at the page
trying to find the words to keep faith
so paint my eyes with saliva if that's what it takes
the heart is such a heartbreaker when it breaks
Lyrics submitted by whoacassie
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I can't believe no one has commented on this song yet.
They way they sing it is so heartfelt that you know this song comes from experience. In the music video, you can practically see them living in their pasts when they sing it.
I personally think it's all about keeping faith. In the bible, it talks about Jacob and the stairs or ladder, to heaven.
'Jacob please take me up your secret ladder. I just need a reminder.'
Whether they need faith in God or something else is up to the one's hearing it. They don't make specifics, only in the second verse.
'I'm squinting at the page. Trying to find the words to keep faith.'
That can also mean the bible, but they never mention it either.
I think you take it as you want to. Good songs morph when you need them to, and I think this song can mean whatever you need it to when you need it to.