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.
You're sympatico
And of all the lifts home and all the mixed feelings
You're cuts above
And you don't own worries or a chest full of heartache
And yes, I know
That I'll never work out exactly how you're thinking
But, let me know when I'm needed home
And I'll come
You can leather me with your lips
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
When you are not in the mood
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
And made me give in to you
Our dealer hates me, you know
'Cause he used to see her but she sold
Him off, on down the river
It's impractical
To go out and catch a death with a dress fit for the summer
So you don't
Instead, you call me up with a head full of filth
And yes, I know
That I'll never acquiesce anything you're thinking
But, let me know when i'm needed home
And I'll come
You can leather me with your lips
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
When you are not in the mood
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
And made me give in to you
Our dealer hates me, you know
'Cause he used to see her but she sold
Him off, on down the river
And of all the lifts home and all the mixed feelings
You're cuts above
And you don't own worries or a chest full of heartache
And yes, I know
That I'll never work out exactly how you're thinking
But, let me know when I'm needed home
And I'll come
You can leather me with your lips
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
When you are not in the mood
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
And made me give in to you
Our dealer hates me, you know
'Cause he used to see her but she sold
Him off, on down the river
It's impractical
To go out and catch a death with a dress fit for the summer
So you don't
Instead, you call me up with a head full of filth
And yes, I know
That I'll never acquiesce anything you're thinking
But, let me know when i'm needed home
And I'll come
You can leather me with your lips
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
When you are not in the mood
I've gotta give it to you
You give me problems
And made me give in to you
Our dealer hates me, you know
'Cause he used to see her but she sold
Him off, on down the river
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Here's my interpretation:
You're simpatico And of all the lifts home and all the mixed feelings You’re cuts above And you don’t own worries or a chest full of heartache And Yes, I know That I’ll never work out exactly how you’re thinking But, Let me know when i’m needed home
And I’ll come You can leather me with your lips
Here he is saying that she is a nice girl and she is better than other girls he's given rides to (one night stands or past flings). The idea that she doesn't have worries means that she is kind of careless with relationships/doesn't commit enough to get hurt. He knows that he's not what she wants but he'll still come running if she calls. To leather is to wear down so she is wearing him down with sex or maybe words? Maybe both?
I’ve gotta give it to you You give me problems When you are not in the mood I’ve gotta give it to you You give me problems And made me give in to you Our dealer hates me you know Cause he used to see her but she sold Him off on down the river
*Now the idea that she gives him problems when she isn't in the mood can be interpreted 2 ways, she either isn't in the mood to deal with the relationship or she just doesn't want to have sex. I think he likes the problems though because he gives into her. The last part is self explanatory.
It's impractical To go out and catch a death with a dress fit for the summer So you don’t Instead you call me up with a head full of filth And yes, I know That I’ll never acquiesce anything you’re thinking But, Let me know when i’m needed home
She isn't one for bars and clubs but she she does call him for essentially a booty call. He doesn't necessarily agree with how she thinks about the relationship but once again he'll come back if she calls him
Not sure why you think it's about drug use.
I think it's about a girl with a laissez faire attitude to their relationship - she goes out in skimpy dresses without him, and uses him for lifts home, she dumped her last boyfriend (their dealer) for him just because he was the better offer (sold her ex down the river).
Meanwhile he is hanging on her ever word waiting for her to call or to invite him in.
I feel like this song is about drug usage.