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 the sun comes out
And that rain stops beatin'
On my window pane
When the sun comes out
There'll be bluebirds
'Round my door
Singin' like they did before
That ol' storm broke out
And my man walked off
And left me in the rain
Though he's gone I doubt
If he'll stay away for good
I'd stop livin' if he should
Love is funny, it's not always
Peaches, cream and honey
Just when everything looked
Bright and sunny
Suddenly the cyclone came
I'll never be the same
'Til that sun comes out
And the rain stops beatin'
On my window pane
If my heart holds out
Let it rain and let it pour
It may not be long before
There's a knockin' at my door
Then you'll know
The one I love walked in
When the sun comes out
Love is funny, it's not always
Peaches, cream and honey
Just when everything looked
Bright and sunny
Suddenly the cyclone came
I'll never be the same
'Til that sun comes out
And the rain stops beatin'
Beatin' on my window pane
If my heart holds out
Let it rain and let it pour
It may not be long before
There's a knockin' at my door
Then you'll know
The one I love walked in
When the sun comes out
And that rain stops beatin'
On my window pane
When the sun comes out
There'll be bluebirds
'Round my door
Singin' like they did before
That ol' storm broke out
And my man walked off
And left me in the rain
Though he's gone I doubt
If he'll stay away for good
I'd stop livin' if he should
Love is funny, it's not always
Peaches, cream and honey
Just when everything looked
Bright and sunny
Suddenly the cyclone came
I'll never be the same
'Til that sun comes out
And the rain stops beatin'
On my window pane
If my heart holds out
Let it rain and let it pour
It may not be long before
There's a knockin' at my door
Then you'll know
The one I love walked in
When the sun comes out
Love is funny, it's not always
Peaches, cream and honey
Just when everything looked
Bright and sunny
Suddenly the cyclone came
I'll never be the same
'Til that sun comes out
And the rain stops beatin'
Beatin' on my window pane
If my heart holds out
Let it rain and let it pour
It may not be long before
There's a knockin' at my door
Then you'll know
The one I love walked in
When the sun comes out
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
When the Sun Comes Out Lyrics as written by Ted Koehler Harold Arlen
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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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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Great version of a great song,