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.
There's a haze on the skyline, to wish me on my way.
And there's a note on the telephone --- some roses on a tray.
And the motorway's stretching right out to us all,
as I pull on my old wings --- one white duck on your wall.
Isn't it just too damn real?
One white duck on your wall. One duck on your wall.
I'll catch a ride on your violin --- strung upon your bow.
And I'll float on your melody --- sing your chorus soft and low.
There's a picture-view postcard to say that I called.
You can see from the fireplace, one white duck on your wall.
Isn't it just too damn real?
One white duck on your wall. One duck on your wall. One duck on your wall.
So fly away Peter and fly away Paul --- from the
finger-tip ledge of contentment.
Well the long restless rustle of high-heeled boots calls.
And I'm probably bound to deceive you after all.
Something must be wrong with me and my brain ---
if I'm so patently unrewarding.
But my dreams are for dreaming and best left that
way --- and my zero to your power of ten equals
nothing at all.
There's no double-lock defense; there's no chain on my door.
And I'm available for consultation,
But remember your way in is also my way out, and
love's four-letter word is no compensation.
Well, I'm the Black Ace dog-handler: I'm a waiter on
skates --- so don't you jump to your foreskin conclusion.
Because I'm up to my deaf ears in cold breakfast trays ---
to be cleared before I can dine on your sweet Sunday
lunch confusion.
And there's a note on the telephone --- some roses on a tray.
And the motorway's stretching right out to us all,
as I pull on my old wings --- one white duck on your wall.
Isn't it just too damn real?
One white duck on your wall. One duck on your wall.
I'll catch a ride on your violin --- strung upon your bow.
And I'll float on your melody --- sing your chorus soft and low.
There's a picture-view postcard to say that I called.
You can see from the fireplace, one white duck on your wall.
Isn't it just too damn real?
One white duck on your wall. One duck on your wall. One duck on your wall.
So fly away Peter and fly away Paul --- from the
finger-tip ledge of contentment.
Well the long restless rustle of high-heeled boots calls.
And I'm probably bound to deceive you after all.
Something must be wrong with me and my brain ---
if I'm so patently unrewarding.
But my dreams are for dreaming and best left that
way --- and my zero to your power of ten equals
nothing at all.
There's no double-lock defense; there's no chain on my door.
And I'm available for consultation,
But remember your way in is also my way out, and
love's four-letter word is no compensation.
Well, I'm the Black Ace dog-handler: I'm a waiter on
skates --- so don't you jump to your foreskin conclusion.
Because I'm up to my deaf ears in cold breakfast trays ---
to be cleared before I can dine on your sweet Sunday
lunch confusion.
Lyrics submitted by knate15, edited by Counterparts
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Sorry your all wrong its about Ian Andersons split from his first wife in about 1974 ish
"As I pull on my old wings" (getting ready to leave)
"One white duck on your wall" (Poignant last look around the house before leaving)
"Im the black ace dog handler Im a waiter on skates" (fed up with all the mundain household chores)
"Because I'm up to my deaf ears in cold breakfast trays --- to be cleared before I can dine on your sweet Sunday lunch confusion." (Just sick of chaotic domestic life)
"And the motorway's stretching right out to us all" (There is a way out)
"love's four-letter word is no compensation. " (sex isnt enough to make him want to stay)
" and my zero to your power of ten equals nothing at all" (no matter how much he loves her he doesnt love her)
I could go on, its not that complicated!