It looks like rbellessa's lyrics are right (or at least a lot closer than what was initially posted).
As for the meaning, I interpret it as a plea from the narrator to someone else to admit and get help for an addiction, most likely alcoholism. The imagery is present throughout the song to support this, including:
Being able to "smell the evening" (the scent of alcohol from that night's drinking)
"The first step is always true. That's my first suggestion to you." (the first step to overcoming a problem is to admit that there is a problem)
"The shivers and shakes your body makes aren’t going to go away. That's the price you pay for the games you’ve played, and nothing's going to change." (Withdrawal from an addiction causes all sorts of effects, such as shaking and shivering)
"Well try to get dressed and you put your shoes on. Let's get to the car. Let's make this right. The drive is short, but it sure feels long, but that's just how it is when you're leaving home. This isn't the end of your life. It's more like a pause and soon as a start. You'll be back on your feet again in no time." (The narrator finally gets fed up enough and either takes the addict to a rehabilitation clinic or is taking her somewhere else to stay, away from their children)
"I tried convincing God to change you. We had it out, and he said, 'No.' Said a choice is a choice, and he says you made it." (The narrator makes a plea to God to fix the addict, but receives a response saying that it was her choice to be what she has become)
It looks like rbellessa's lyrics are right (or at least a lot closer than what was initially posted).
As for the meaning, I interpret it as a plea from the narrator to someone else to admit and get help for an addiction, most likely alcoholism. The imagery is present throughout the song to support this, including:
Being able to "smell the evening" (the scent of alcohol from that night's drinking)
"The first step is always true. That's my first suggestion to you." (the first step to overcoming a problem is to admit that there is a problem)
"The shivers and shakes your body makes aren’t going to go away. That's the price you pay for the games you’ve played, and nothing's going to change." (Withdrawal from an addiction causes all sorts of effects, such as shaking and shivering)
"Well try to get dressed and you put your shoes on. Let's get to the car. Let's make this right. The drive is short, but it sure feels long, but that's just how it is when you're leaving home. This isn't the end of your life. It's more like a pause and soon as a start. You'll be back on your feet again in no time." (The narrator finally gets fed up enough and either takes the addict to a rehabilitation clinic or is taking her somewhere else to stay, away from their children)
"I tried convincing God to change you. We had it out, and he said, 'No.' Said a choice is a choice, and he says you made it." (The narrator makes a plea to God to fix the addict, but receives a response saying that it was her choice to be what she has become)