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.
Little man big man who came first
What is the measure of our worth
If there was a storm rolled in
Who'd run inside
Who'd go walking
Little man big man what's inside
It's all in the places where we find our pride
If there was a soul lost by the road
Who'd pass by
Who'd take it home
Where is the beast lying
Is there a beast hiding
Little man big man who is who
It's all in the damage that our toys can do
If there was a window pane
Who'd throw stones
Who'd walk away
(Chorus)
Are we moving
Are we learning
Little man big man fade away
It's all in the violence of the games we play
It's all in the violence of the games we play
It's all in the love we give today
What is the measure of our worth
If there was a storm rolled in
Who'd run inside
Who'd go walking
Little man big man what's inside
It's all in the places where we find our pride
If there was a soul lost by the road
Who'd pass by
Who'd take it home
Where is the beast lying
Is there a beast hiding
Little man big man who is who
It's all in the damage that our toys can do
If there was a window pane
Who'd throw stones
Who'd walk away
(Chorus)
Are we moving
Are we learning
Little man big man fade away
It's all in the violence of the games we play
It's all in the violence of the games we play
It's all in the love we give today
Lyrics submitted by toadtws
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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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The references to powerful weapons:
"It's all in the damage our toys can do"
and the line:
"It's all in the violence of the games we play"
..indicate to me that this is a song about mankind moving forward in many aspects while still failing to advance in other trains of thought.
He's basically asking if man is really progressing; if mankind as a whole is getting better or worse. At least, that's what I think.
The main thing I take away from this song is that you'll never know whats inside until you're faced with the dilemma or decision. It's just one more in the long line of songs by Glen Phillips that is amazing in its depth and meaning.
The bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima were named "Little boy" and "Fat Man"
"The violence of the games we play"
"The damage that our toys can do"
You can probably figure it out from there.