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.
Christmas memories still remind me of you
I wanna be closer to you
And I wish you were closer to me
Every song they play this time of year
Every melody that I hear, every minute I wish
I wish you were near
Something's missin' , must be you
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
I listen to the bells
And they make me remember
When we were so in love
It was only last year, this time in December
I listen to the bells
And I reminisce
I hear those Christmas bells
But I never knew that I could miss you like this
Love the lights and everything under the tree
Friends come around
They have a good time
But it's not a party for me
Call up Santa
Tell him that I've been blue
Tell him it's hard for me
It's been a blue holiday, 'cause I'm missin' you
I keep wishin', wondering if you'll think of me
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
Something's missin', must be you
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
I wanna be closer to you
And I wish you were closer to me
Every song they play this time of year
Every melody that I hear, every minute I wish
I wish you were near
Something's missin' , must be you
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
I listen to the bells
And they make me remember
When we were so in love
It was only last year, this time in December
I listen to the bells
And I reminisce
I hear those Christmas bells
But I never knew that I could miss you like this
Love the lights and everything under the tree
Friends come around
They have a good time
But it's not a party for me
Call up Santa
Tell him that I've been blue
Tell him it's hard for me
It's been a blue holiday, 'cause I'm missin' you
I keep wishin', wondering if you'll think of me
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
Something's missin', must be you
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
I Listen to the Bells Lyrics as written by Luther Vandross Fonzi Thornton
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Missing Link Music
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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,