I agree, it's a beautiful song. The entire Sea Change album is epic, but this would be my favourite from it.
I'm not real sure on the meaning. My guess would be he's referring to an ex-girlfriend who he would have liked to have maintained a friendship with, but as time passed he discovered she just wasn't worth it. He realises that she's changed, for the worse: "well I cannot believe you got a devil up your sleeve'' and "you're all scared and stiff, a sick stolen gift''. That's my interpretation anyway.
I agree, it's a beautiful song. The entire Sea Change album is epic, but this would be my favourite from it.
I'm not real sure on the meaning. My guess would be he's referring to an ex-girlfriend who he would have liked to have maintained a friendship with, but as time passed he discovered she just wasn't worth it. He realises that she's changed, for the worse: "well I cannot believe you got a devil up your sleeve'' and "you're all scared and stiff, a sick stolen gift''. That's my interpretation anyway.
Stunning song though.