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.
We were visited last evening
By a servant of the day
He had traveled miles on horseback
To scout his master's way
And he only had a moment
To warm his frozen hands
And though he needed food and rest
He told us of his land
And all too soon
He had to leave
Else sleep might block his way
And so he thanked us both, and saddled up
And softly rode away
And I thought I caught a glimpse of sun in his eye
And wheat field in his smile
And I couldn't help but a-thinking
They would follow in a while
By a servant of the day
He had traveled miles on horseback
To scout his master's way
And he only had a moment
To warm his frozen hands
And though he needed food and rest
He told us of his land
And all too soon
He had to leave
Else sleep might block his way
And so he thanked us both, and saddled up
And softly rode away
And I thought I caught a glimpse of sun in his eye
And wheat field in his smile
And I couldn't help but a-thinking
They would follow in a while
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Midnight Visitor Lyrics as written by Joseph Fidler Walsh
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Joe Walsh says in his liner notes to "Look What I Did!" that the stong is about Stryder in The Hobbit who is a ranger. However, I believe he is refering to Strider who first is introduced in The Fellowship of the Ring.
I just read the Hobbit and I don't remember any Stryder or Strider.
However, let's cut Joe some slack if his memory isn't what it used to be. Close enough.