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.
It's not in the way that you hold me
It's not in the way you say you care
It's not in the way you've been treating my friends
It's not in the way that you stayed 'til the end
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
It's not in the words that you told me, girl
It's not in the way you say you're mine, ooh
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
It's not in the words that you told me
It's not in the way you say you're mine, ooh
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
Hold the line, love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Hold the line, love isn't always on time
Love isn't always, love isn't always on time
Hold the line, love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Whoa whoa whoa
It's not in the way you say you care
It's not in the way you've been treating my friends
It's not in the way that you stayed 'til the end
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
It's not in the words that you told me, girl
It's not in the way you say you're mine, ooh
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
It's not in the words that you told me
It's not in the way you say you're mine, ooh
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Hold the line, love isn't always on time, whoa whoa whoa
Hold the line, love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Hold the line, love isn't always on time
Love isn't always, love isn't always on time
Hold the line, love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Love isn't always on time
Whoa whoa whoa
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
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Anybody ever been in a relationship with a great person, it looked like a keeper on paper, yet...it just wasn't destined to work out? One person is a little more eager/desperate than the other one to stay in a relationship that is going nowhere. The other person is good-looking, smart, kind, has a good job, is responsible with their money, generous, and best of all likes you. But the mix just doesn't turn into a real committed love. So, you "hold the line", an expression used in military and football, meaning don't give up and keep trying. That's what this song is about.
btw, if you have been around long enough, you have been on both sides of this situation. It always ends a little sadly, but my experience is to let it go before the good feelings turn completely to resentment and frustration. Love, indeed, isn't always on time.
That was brilliantly stated...loved this! Sad but true
You my friend, have your way with words.
@JayCeezy Perfect! This is my current situation. I have a man who is all but in love with me. I am not there. I think he's amazing. He's wonderful. And "it all looks great on paper" but my heart isn't there. I am not in love with him and don't feel I am even close to it. And yes, I have been on the other side. In love with him and on paper, we did look great. But he wasn't in love with me the same way.
@JayCeezy yes been there, done that. It didn't end too pretty most of the time. I would say my husband and I did this when we first got together though, so I would say it did finally work in the end but we both at least knew that the other was smitten and so were we. That was the difference. Sometimes love can be complicated and holding the line during the rough patches has worked out so far. Only time will tell if it will continue to. I do love this song and it's honesty.
@JayCeezy
To edit my previous comment: "Love isn't always on time" can be very true. A year ago, this man was in love with me and I wasn't there yet. Fast forward a year and with time, I did eventually catch up. Not without some ups and downs with my feelings. He recently moved in with me and I am very much in love with him. It was just on MY time and not his. Often times, love doesn't happen for both people at the exact same time but it can happen with time. I needed him to "Hold the line" and he did. It doesn't always end badly. Sometimes, there is a happy ending.
@JayCeezy That was one of the best song explanations I've ever read, thanks a lot ! I think I lived something like that a long time ago, or it resembled that...
This song is fantastic!! just listen to that guitar!
This song is purely about cruising in Las Venturas listening to K-DST. Because good music never gets old, just cough dusty.
@DassJennir amen to that brother <3 <3
Awesome song, that guitar backing is magnificent.
the song is talking about love and timing. clearly. its saying that it might take time for love to come but it will come. not right away and you might have to wait or "hold the line" but love perseveres through all and shows its face when the time is right. thats what the song is about.
This song is my favorite toto song. The intro with the piano and drums, then guitar is sooooo sweet.
awesome song
I love this song, and believe that it has been overlooked as a love song of its era.
i love this song and toto.. music like this is beatiful and all music should be like this..... not like music now which is just a fad
Contrary to popular beliefs, i do agree that this song has been overlooked as a love song of its era, Lukasa.