i like how comaspeed says we're all wrong and then doesn't offer an interpretation, especially on a site that's about discussing the meanings of songs. gotta love double standards! anyway, enjoying the music is what the cd is for, this site is more about understanding the strict lyrical content and exchanging ideas.
anyhow, it's true that a lot of singer/songwriters write songs that aren't about themselves and whatnot, but a lot of the songs are anyway. the way this matches up with reports of elliott's real life is a bit too close to ignore.
besides, speaking as someone who writes songs, it's easy to understand why someone who puts a lot of themselves into a work so personal would find it more comfortable to write it off as a story about someone else. but if i go out and buy a cat and it tears up the couch and then i write a story about someone going out and buying a dog that tears up the rug, it's not hard to see where the inspiration comes from.
he was a person too and had insecurities to deal with. actually, smith might not have been comfortable with so many people mulling over his works in such detail, but that's what happens when you write something that touches people so much.
ps, there's a really great video of this song live on junkbondtrader.net where elliott is the only one lit up on stage until the last verse when his band kicks in and the whole stage lights up. it's great!
i like how comaspeed says we're all wrong and then doesn't offer an interpretation, especially on a site that's about discussing the meanings of songs. gotta love double standards! anyway, enjoying the music is what the cd is for, this site is more about understanding the strict lyrical content and exchanging ideas.
anyhow, it's true that a lot of singer/songwriters write songs that aren't about themselves and whatnot, but a lot of the songs are anyway. the way this matches up with reports of elliott's real life is a bit too close to ignore.
besides, speaking as someone who writes songs, it's easy to understand why someone who puts a lot of themselves into a work so personal would find it more comfortable to write it off as a story about someone else. but if i go out and buy a cat and it tears up the couch and then i write a story about someone going out and buying a dog that tears up the rug, it's not hard to see where the inspiration comes from.
he was a person too and had insecurities to deal with. actually, smith might not have been comfortable with so many people mulling over his works in such detail, but that's what happens when you write something that touches people so much.
ps, there's a really great video of this song live on junkbondtrader.net where elliott is the only one lit up on stage until the last verse when his band kicks in and the whole stage lights up. it's great!