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.
Congratulations, you made the team
Looks like you're living the American dream
But the odds are not what they seem
And you can't trust the referee
The game is fixed and you're surprised
Lifetime supply of chocolate covered compromise
And the long, slow painful demise
Of your own autonomy
Now everybody thinks you're so great
And they all wanna be your prom date
But don't be too impressed, this is only a test
This is only a test, this is only a test
It's easy now for you to win
With empty confidence and picture perfect skin
But when real life starts to begin
You will sing a different song
The geeks will rise and you will fall
Your mindless following will scatter one and all
And the rest of your life you will crawl
Through the dirt where you belong
Now everybody thinks you're so great
And they all wanna be your prom date
But don't be too impressed, this is only a test
This is only a test, this is only a test
And you're passing down
But in the end you'll fail
Now everybody thinks you're so great
And they all wanna be your prom date
But don't be too impressed, this is only a test
This is only a test, this is only a test
Looks like you're living the American dream
But the odds are not what they seem
And you can't trust the referee
The game is fixed and you're surprised
Lifetime supply of chocolate covered compromise
And the long, slow painful demise
Of your own autonomy
Now everybody thinks you're so great
And they all wanna be your prom date
But don't be too impressed, this is only a test
This is only a test, this is only a test
It's easy now for you to win
With empty confidence and picture perfect skin
But when real life starts to begin
You will sing a different song
The geeks will rise and you will fall
Your mindless following will scatter one and all
And the rest of your life you will crawl
Through the dirt where you belong
Now everybody thinks you're so great
And they all wanna be your prom date
But don't be too impressed, this is only a test
This is only a test, this is only a test
And you're passing down
But in the end you'll fail
Now everybody thinks you're so great
And they all wanna be your prom date
But don't be too impressed, this is only a test
This is only a test, this is only a test
Lyrics submitted by freedomBono
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