I think these lyrics could be Guy Garvey reflecting on well meant advice given to him by a parent worrying about him when he was younger. Parents worry about who you're spending time with, they worry about something going wrong if you get too drunk and they worry about you not fulfilling your academic potential (to name a few)! It's hard for them to accept that you're not like them or like their friend's son who seems to be doing everything right (like working hard at education etc). Maybe not just about Guy, could be anyone in the band or a band!! I get the feeling that although he just couldn't conform and "be like me", he respects the advice and feels the love that it stems from. I can't really get to grips with about the meaning behind the last few lines though.
I think these lyrics could be Guy Garvey reflecting on well meant advice given to him by a parent worrying about him when he was younger. Parents worry about who you're spending time with, they worry about something going wrong if you get too drunk and they worry about you not fulfilling your academic potential (to name a few)! It's hard for them to accept that you're not like them or like their friend's son who seems to be doing everything right (like working hard at education etc). Maybe not just about Guy, could be anyone in the band or a band!! I get the feeling that although he just couldn't conform and "be like me", he respects the advice and feels the love that it stems from. I can't really get to grips with about the meaning behind the last few lines though.