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.
I'm addicted to feeling, stealing love isn't stealing
Can't you see that I understand your mind?
I'm a walking believer, I'm a ghost and a healer
I'm the shape of the hole inside your heart
Not looking for a brighter side
Crooked steps will take me higher
I don't care if you want to cry
I'm a soldier for hire killing all you admire
And you live in denial but that will change, hey
Not looking for a brighter side
Crooked steps will take me higher
I don't care if you want to cry
When blood is raining down, it cuts a deep deep river, yeah
And we're diving, yeah, we're diving
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
I'm a walking believer, I'm a ghost and a healer
Can't you see that I understand your mind?
Can't you see that I understand your mind?
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
Right behind you, right behind you, right behind you
Can't you see that I understand your mind?
I'm a walking believer, I'm a ghost and a healer
I'm the shape of the hole inside your heart
Not looking for a brighter side
Crooked steps will take me higher
I don't care if you want to cry
I'm a soldier for hire killing all you admire
And you live in denial but that will change, hey
Not looking for a brighter side
Crooked steps will take me higher
I don't care if you want to cry
When blood is raining down, it cuts a deep deep river, yeah
And we're diving, yeah, we're diving
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
My crooked steps right behind you (Right behind you)
I'm a walking believer, I'm a ghost and a healer
Can't you see that I understand your mind?
Can't you see that I understand your mind?
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
My crooked steps right behind you
Right behind you, right behind you, right behind you
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by Mellow_Harsher, PhX
By Crooked Steps Lyrics as written by Hunter Benedict Shepherd Chris J Cornell
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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addendum: the phrase "crooked steps" is a favorite in cloak and dagger stories, so literally "right behind you" is not necessarily a supportive position.
there is, though this emily dickenson quote:
“I wish one could be sure the suffering had a loving side. The thought to look down some day, and see the crooked steps we came, from a safer place, must be a precious thing…” books.google.com/books
so maybe you guys aren't so far off. the quote though is not about a lover, but about a beloved family member, a "Myra" who has just recently died (in the letter, written in 1862)