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.
And if I'm wasting my time
Then nothing could be better
Than hangin' on the line
And waiting for a honest word forever
And if you're saying goodbye
Please don't you think me better
For recalling every rhyme
From the book the page
The line the word the letter
Well the windows turning blue
And the waters ever flowing
And I hope I'm not a fool
For laughing at myself
As you were going
Then nothing could be better
Than hangin' on the line
And waiting for a honest word forever
And if you're saying goodbye
Please don't you think me better
For recalling every rhyme
From the book the page
The line the word the letter
Well the windows turning blue
And the waters ever flowing
And I hope I'm not a fool
For laughing at myself
As you were going
Lyrics submitted by maidenhazer, edited by Divilment, iroc-z, ElHombreGato
Wasting My Time Lyrics as written by Jack White
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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"and if i'm wasting my time then nothing could be better than hanging on the line and waiting for an honest word forever"
Hes with a girl that is fleeting, he knows its probibly not gonna work out but hes enjoying every minute he has with her, even tho' he might be wasting his time nothing could be better.
"and if you're saying goodbye please don't you think me bitter for recalling every rhyme from the book the page the line the word the letter"
I think hes looking back reminiscing the good times but mainly looking for what happend to their love.
"well the windows turning blue and the waters ever flowing and i hope i'm not a fool for laughing at myself as you are going"
here I think he came to the conclusion that he was the one that fucked up and let her go, it wasnt her that was the problem. so hes laughing at him self for being so blind and stupid
I relate hella much to this song this was me not long ago when I let the love of my life go....thats the way I felt
I think it means that he is taking into consideration that he may be wasting his time trying to be with a girl that left him. He doesn't really mind the situation unless she tries to leave out of his life for good. That is when it all comes flooding back to haunt him with everything she ever said that he meticulously analyzed down to the words she used and even the letters.
Then the last part i think he is comparing life to a car sinking into a large body of water and he is starting to realize that death is eminent as the waters rise over the windows and all around the car. (almost like the winter time simile to getting old in life) Then he starts to show that he really does want to be more than friends with that girl again and hopes all his efforts were not foolish.
This song really reminds me of my best friend (Jonah) who I completely fell for, and he told me that he wanted to be with me, but not right now because he just wanted to figure things out for himself. Now I'm just waiting, and I'm sick of him playing with my feelings, so I feel like I'm "wasting my time".
That's not what the song is about, but that's what it reminds me of.
"and i hope i'm not a fool for laughing at myself as you are going"
Because I told him that when he figures things out to give me a call. I hope that wasn't irrational but right now I don't even want him around. I'm bitter as all hell.
@Konstantine14 Did he ever call you?
i understand you completely.
"And If you're saying goodbye please don't you think me bitter, so recalling every rhyme from the book the page the line the word the letter"
IMHO, the best lyrics Jack has ever written
tough decision, jacks written some of the greatest stuff ive ever heard... but i think this song is pretty self explanitory really cool
well if u fall 4 a friend u dont rly tell them if u dident know that how friend ships get wrecked even if u say when u brake up lets still b friends u dont trust me i have been there and i regret it
just re-heard this live its one of those 'jolene' songs emotional, definitely
does anyone think the last verse has something to do with taking a pregnancy test?
"well the windows turning blue and the waters over flowing..." I picture a guy and girl fumbling with the test and waiting for the results.
"and if you're saying goodbye please don't you think me bitter for recalling every rhyme from the book the page the line the word the letter"
Sometimes people take words from Valenines cards and such and use them against you in divorce settlements!