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.
Long ago I told you
What I wanted to be
I thought I had it all figured out
But you weren't happy for me
I felt like I had no support
No one on my side
Wasn't ready to be by myself
So I subside
I try to sleep at night
But can't seem to close my eyes
I wonder what went wrong, and
How can I make it right?
I don't want to care but the
Pain is always there don't
Know how much more of this I can bare
Long ago I told you
What I wanted to be
You thought you had me all figured out
I was still unhappy
I had no support; it was all for naught
There was no one with me
I wasn't ready to face this all alone
I had to or you would have won
I try to sleep at night
But can't seem to close my eyes
I wonder what went wrong, and
How can I make it right?
I don't want to care but the
Pain is always there don't
Know how much more of this I can bare
It seems that when it comes to life; nothing ever does
I looked into your eyes, thinking of some retort
I wonder why I ever came to you for any fucking support
Last night I asked
Who you thought I was
And what I could be
You never told me
It made no sense to me
What I wanted to be
I thought I had it all figured out
But you weren't happy for me
I felt like I had no support
No one on my side
Wasn't ready to be by myself
So I subside
I try to sleep at night
But can't seem to close my eyes
I wonder what went wrong, and
How can I make it right?
I don't want to care but the
Pain is always there don't
Know how much more of this I can bare
Long ago I told you
What I wanted to be
You thought you had me all figured out
I was still unhappy
I had no support; it was all for naught
There was no one with me
I wasn't ready to face this all alone
I had to or you would have won
I try to sleep at night
But can't seem to close my eyes
I wonder what went wrong, and
How can I make it right?
I don't want to care but the
Pain is always there don't
Know how much more of this I can bare
It seems that when it comes to life; nothing ever does
I looked into your eyes, thinking of some retort
I wonder why I ever came to you for any fucking support
Last night I asked
Who you thought I was
And what I could be
You never told me
It made no sense to me
Lyrics submitted by Ken Braley
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.