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 am an opera singer
I stand on painted tape
It tells me where I'm going
And where to throw my cape
I call my co-stars brother
I call my co-stars name
I play both good and evil parts
I sing to Verdi's grave
And every single morning
By 10 a.m I'm dressed
My rehearsals last for hours and hours
With diligence I have been blessed
Some people, they call me monster
Some people, they call me saint
My talent feeds my darker side
Yet no-one will complain
I am an opera singer
I sing in foreign lands
I've sung for Kings in Europe
And Emperors in Japan
And after each performance
People stand around and wait
Just to tell me that they loved my voice
Just to tell me that I'm great
I am an opera singer
I will sing when you're all dead
I sing the mountains crumbling apart
I sing what can't be said
I am an opera singer
I sing in foreign lands
Most people seem to know my name
Or at least know who I am
I stand on painted tape
It tells me where I'm going
And where to throw my cape
I call my co-stars brother
I call my co-stars name
I play both good and evil parts
I sing to Verdi's grave
And every single morning
By 10 a.m I'm dressed
My rehearsals last for hours and hours
With diligence I have been blessed
Some people, they call me monster
Some people, they call me saint
My talent feeds my darker side
Yet no-one will complain
I am an opera singer
I sing in foreign lands
I've sung for Kings in Europe
And Emperors in Japan
And after each performance
People stand around and wait
Just to tell me that they loved my voice
Just to tell me that I'm great
I am an opera singer
I will sing when you're all dead
I sing the mountains crumbling apart
I sing what can't be said
I am an opera singer
I sing in foreign lands
Most people seem to know my name
Or at least know who I am
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Sundaydriving; I was about to cap off the comments here with something very similar to what you just said... however, the manner in which you said it makes me laugh very much.
I had a friend who's in ballet. (Before I say anything else, I want everyone to know that I certainly appreciate what it takes to become a good (ballet) dancer.) This girl's ego about it is Astronomical. She has the same attitude as the character in the song. "And every single morning/By 10 AM I'm dressed" In response to this, regular, working-class folk (such as myself), ask "Who cares?" and follow up with a good solid, "Go to hell," or, "I have other things to care about."
The funny thing is, my friend is a flippin' novice. She's LOUSY.
Hm, maybe it's just funny to me. (The REALLY funny part is when she'll practices in public. It makes her feel like people are watching and are impressed. it's the mentality of a five year old.)
OH WELL. Well said, Sundaydriving. Good song.