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.
To only end the heartache
to shed this mortal coil
Face pressed to the earth
I’m frozen to the soil
My only thought
with my last breath
To suffer slings and arrows
adrift and lost it seems
or take flight with the sparrows
the ghost that haunts our dreams?
Drained of all resolve
my spirit pours from me
The fire’s growing cold
please do not forget me
One lost night against a sea of troubles
I could not hear You through the thunder’s peal
My only hope is that You cannot, not- be real
My only thought
pray for me now
My only thought
with my last breath
to shed this mortal coil
Face pressed to the earth
I’m frozen to the soil
My only thought
with my last breath
To suffer slings and arrows
adrift and lost it seems
or take flight with the sparrows
the ghost that haunts our dreams?
Drained of all resolve
my spirit pours from me
The fire’s growing cold
please do not forget me
One lost night against a sea of troubles
I could not hear You through the thunder’s peal
My only hope is that You cannot, not- be real
My only thought
pray for me now
My only thought
with my last breath
Lyrics submitted by chippurmunkee
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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,
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This song is clearly a prayer. It reminds me of a lot of psalms, in their utter honesty with God.
I see this as a reflection on what I'd describe as a sort of faith crisis. With it would come a sense of hopelessness, as could be characterized by the first stanza.
The second describes it in more detail, with some symbolism of spiritual attack (slings and arrows) and wanting to run away from it (take flight with the sparrows), followed by a candid confession of the hopeless feeling, and pleading with God for mercy.
The bridge seems to be a profession of undying faith, that despite facing immense hardships ("One lost night against a sea of troubles") and not seeing immediate signs of God's presence through these trials ("I could not hear You through the thunder's peal"), the psalmist's faith remains unshaken ("My only hope is that You cannot not be real")
Such a powerful song for anyone who has gone through seasons of difficulty or doubt in their faith.