a part-time job worker,
department store center,
i saw a man enter.
he was middle-aged
with deep lines on his face,
tight mouth and eyes glazed,
eyelids just half-raised.
(chorus):
and i looked at him
he looked at me
he looked so sad, i had to see
what did he want? what could it be?
what had he been through before me
seeing him in the store
i worked for
that year.
the middle of summer.
he wanted a good pair,
the price he did not care.
i looked for his size,
our best pair he tried,
custom back and sides.
excitement in his eyes.
he looked sad and said 'no.'
'these skates my last hope.
without them i cannot cope.'
and he said, 'my wife, she drowned this summer
behind our house, the river took her
i cannot swim, i need to find her, i will wait
till it freezes over, and then i will skate
as far as it takes.
i will skate, as far as it takes
to bring her back home.'

It's horribly sad, but that's what makes it so good.

woah. that gave me chills reading these lyrics. I am going to go listen to the song. so sad

I think this song is the saddest song I've ever seen played live. sigh I suggest not having a knife handy while you listen.

when did he last play it live? apparently he doesn't play it anymore, which sucks, because i bet this is such a sweet song live. The meaning is pretty straight forward, don't think anyone needs to dwell on some deep interpretations here.

I think this song is corny and stupid.

haha this song is amazing. the lyrics mainly, i wish he didnt use that douchey radio alternative breakdown voice, but its all good. i get over it, cos all together its an awesome song. and he just isnt 'that guy'