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.
Sweet was my Rose in the light of the rising sun
Never forget her, gave her life for everyone
Sweet was my Rose in the light of the rising sun
Never forget her, gave her life for everyone
On the day that I recall was a bright and sunny dawn
And we hadn't seen a yankee since a week
Before the summer storm
So, mother said to sister Rose:
I guess, it's safe to take a horse
Get out and try to find your Dad and uncle Ben
Though I protested, she said:
Hush your mouth! Your sister's going! You're too young!
She rose out and I never saw my sister Rose again
Well, as I hear tell that fateful morn
She rose to Shannon Creek
To make enquiries after Pa and uncle Ben
And from there she rose to Shannon Valley and from afar
She saw Pa and uncle Ben looked less alive than dead!
There was Pa with his arms awaving to warn her
But too late them damn yankees caught her
Rose was shouting: Get out Pa and save your own skin
Well, Rose, she was never seen again
And Pa's made up a kinda headstone 'round the back of the house
I took it upon myself to carve this inscription
Never forget her, gave her life for everyone
Sweet was my Rose in the light of the rising sun
Never forget her, gave her life for everyone
On the day that I recall was a bright and sunny dawn
And we hadn't seen a yankee since a week
Before the summer storm
So, mother said to sister Rose:
I guess, it's safe to take a horse
Get out and try to find your Dad and uncle Ben
Though I protested, she said:
Hush your mouth! Your sister's going! You're too young!
She rose out and I never saw my sister Rose again
Well, as I hear tell that fateful morn
She rose to Shannon Creek
To make enquiries after Pa and uncle Ben
And from there she rose to Shannon Valley and from afar
She saw Pa and uncle Ben looked less alive than dead!
There was Pa with his arms awaving to warn her
But too late them damn yankees caught her
Rose was shouting: Get out Pa and save your own skin
Well, Rose, she was never seen again
And Pa's made up a kinda headstone 'round the back of the house
I took it upon myself to carve this inscription
Lyrics submitted by duhanna
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