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.
No one raised their hand that day
When they asked for volunteers
He got picked out by default
He was the only daddy there
They said we know what your thinking
Choose some else instead
But this league was built on coaches
Who stood right there and said
Not me, not me
No way with this job of mine
I could never find the time
Not me, not me
The world becomes a better place
When someone stands and leads the way
Steps forward when they?d rather say not me
The judge says you?re the oldest
Makes you the legal guardian
I?m sorry how you lost your folks
But there?s no next of kin
Two brothers and a sister
She knew how hard that it would be
But she softly said ?I?ll raise them?
While the voice inside her screamed
Not me, not me
I can?t believe what?s happened
This isn?t how it?s supposed to be
Not me, not me
But this world becomes a better place
When someone stands and leads the way
Steps forward when they?d rather say not me
A young captain at attention
A star pinned on his chest
He recalls the battle
While the final roll call?s read
They were the finest soldiers
It was my privilege to lead
They deserve the medals
The men who died
Not me
Not me, not me
I just did what I was called to do
You?d do the same if it was you
Not me, not me
But this world becomes a better place
When some one stands and leads the way
Steps forward when they?d rather say not me
Yea, steps forward when they?d rather say not me
Mmmm, not me
Not me
When they asked for volunteers
He got picked out by default
He was the only daddy there
They said we know what your thinking
Choose some else instead
But this league was built on coaches
Who stood right there and said
Not me, not me
No way with this job of mine
I could never find the time
Not me, not me
The world becomes a better place
When someone stands and leads the way
Steps forward when they?d rather say not me
The judge says you?re the oldest
Makes you the legal guardian
I?m sorry how you lost your folks
But there?s no next of kin
Two brothers and a sister
She knew how hard that it would be
But she softly said ?I?ll raise them?
While the voice inside her screamed
Not me, not me
I can?t believe what?s happened
This isn?t how it?s supposed to be
Not me, not me
But this world becomes a better place
When someone stands and leads the way
Steps forward when they?d rather say not me
A young captain at attention
A star pinned on his chest
He recalls the battle
While the final roll call?s read
They were the finest soldiers
It was my privilege to lead
They deserve the medals
The men who died
Not me
Not me, not me
I just did what I was called to do
You?d do the same if it was you
Not me, not me
But this world becomes a better place
When some one stands and leads the way
Steps forward when they?d rather say not me
Yea, steps forward when they?d rather say not me
Mmmm, not me
Not me
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Not Me Lyrics as written by Montana Maher
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
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
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.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/