when i was younger,
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.
ice skates, he asked for,
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.
(chorus)
i asked, are you a pro?
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.'
(chorus)
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'