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.
When I was dead, I wore a strong perfume
When I was dead, I never left the room
And I saw the apples hanging, like moments in the orchard
But falling into action; the moment soon is over; no returns
When I was dead, I wasn't interested in sex
I didn't even care what happened next
I was free as a penny whistle, and silent as the glove
I wasn't me to speak of, just a thousand ancient feelings
That vanished into nothing; into love
When I was dead, somebody took my hand (When I was dead)
I couldn't see his face; I took his hand (I couldn't see)
And the Devil asked me to supper; he said
"Careful with the spoons!"
And God said: "Oh, ignore him! I've got all your albums"
I said: "Yes, but who's got all the tunes?"
When I was dead
When I was dead
When I was dead
When I was dead
When I was dead, I never left the room
And I saw the apples hanging, like moments in the orchard
But falling into action; the moment soon is over; no returns
When I was dead, I wasn't interested in sex
I didn't even care what happened next
I was free as a penny whistle, and silent as the glove
I wasn't me to speak of, just a thousand ancient feelings
That vanished into nothing; into love
When I was dead, somebody took my hand (When I was dead)
I couldn't see his face; I took his hand (I couldn't see)
And the Devil asked me to supper; he said
"Careful with the spoons!"
And God said: "Oh, ignore him! I've got all your albums"
I said: "Yes, but who's got all the tunes?"
When I was dead
When I was dead
When I was dead
When I was dead
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
When I Was Dead Lyrics as written by R Hitchcock
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
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.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.