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.
These are my famous last words
My number's up bridges will burn
Oh won't you let me twist your fate?
It's getting kinda late
And I don't wanna wait no more
Oh may I have this dance of days?
Locked in your embrace
You passed your test of faith
Another time, another place, another line upon your face
Another in your wake
Down crooked stairs and sideway glances comes the king of second chances
Now throw him in the flames
Whatever keeps you warm at night (whatever keeps you warm at night)
Whatever keeps you warm inside
Your bridges are burning now
They're all coming down
It's all coming 'round
You're burning them down
It's all coming 'round
They're all coming down
Your bridges are burning now
Oh let me put you in your place
Love it when you say, I'm giving everything away, but
Tell me what's in it for me?
Tell me now what's in it for me?
No one's getting this for free
So tell me now what's in it for me?
Whatever keeps you warm at night (whatever keeps you warm at night)
Whatever keeps you warm inside
Your bridges are burning now
They're all coming down
It's all coming 'round
You're burning them down
It's all coming 'round
They're all coming down
Your bridges are burning now
Gathering the ashes
Everything thrown away
Gathering the ashes
Scatter as they blow away
Gathering the ashes
Everything thrown away
Gathering the ashes
Scatter as they blow away
Your bridges are burning now
They're all coming down
It's all coming 'round
You're burning them down
It's all coming 'round
They're all coming down
Your bridges are burning now (gather in the ashes)
They're all coming down (everything thrown away)
It's all coming 'round (scatter as they blow away)
You're burning them down (gather in the ashes)
It's all coming 'round (everything thrown away)
They're all coming down (gather in the ashes)
Your bridges are burning now (scatter as they blow away)
My number's up bridges will burn
Oh won't you let me twist your fate?
It's getting kinda late
And I don't wanna wait no more
Oh may I have this dance of days?
Locked in your embrace
You passed your test of faith
Another time, another place, another line upon your face
Another in your wake
Down crooked stairs and sideway glances comes the king of second chances
Now throw him in the flames
Whatever keeps you warm at night (whatever keeps you warm at night)
Whatever keeps you warm inside
Your bridges are burning now
They're all coming down
It's all coming 'round
You're burning them down
It's all coming 'round
They're all coming down
Your bridges are burning now
Oh let me put you in your place
Love it when you say, I'm giving everything away, but
Tell me what's in it for me?
Tell me now what's in it for me?
No one's getting this for free
So tell me now what's in it for me?
Whatever keeps you warm at night (whatever keeps you warm at night)
Whatever keeps you warm inside
Your bridges are burning now
They're all coming down
It's all coming 'round
You're burning them down
It's all coming 'round
They're all coming down
Your bridges are burning now
Gathering the ashes
Everything thrown away
Gathering the ashes
Scatter as they blow away
Gathering the ashes
Everything thrown away
Gathering the ashes
Scatter as they blow away
Your bridges are burning now
They're all coming down
It's all coming 'round
You're burning them down
It's all coming 'round
They're all coming down
Your bridges are burning now (gather in the ashes)
They're all coming down (everything thrown away)
It's all coming 'round (scatter as they blow away)
You're burning them down (gather in the ashes)
It's all coming 'round (everything thrown away)
They're all coming down (gather in the ashes)
Your bridges are burning now (scatter as they blow away)
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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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”
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Bee Gees
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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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,
By the most of the lyrics I think that it's about destroying a relation between two people (friends, lovers..) so by saying "your bridges are burning" it means that the bond that connects the two is disappearing, and "gathering the ashes" means that one of them is trying to save that relationship but it's not working so he says "everything is thrown away". And now returning to the begining "these are my famous last words" probably means that these words are the last thing someone would say to his partner before breaking up. Anyways that's just my interpretation of the song, btw it's the best opener.