It's a really beautiful song about struggling with the terrible things in our nature and constant repentance. With my background knowledge of Tyler and the band, I see a heavy Christian theme but it's just my opinion.
To "fall away" seems to me like giving in to one's demons and losing light. He has to try to keep God in his life (keep the lights on) or else he might lose his way forever. The "pull" he feels that causes his skin to fall apart is the urge to do things that he knows are wrong.
The first verse is basically him waiting in line for judgment and recalling the way that he has lived. There is a desire to be adamant about his lifestyle, but it he knows that he is relatively powerless. The lines "But I'm lying, I'm so very far from fine" remind me of the song Be Concerned from Regional At Best. He lies to himself and God about how much he needs help.
The second verse starts to explore the effect of repentance. Instead of putting him at peace, he questions if he really deserves the grace he is shown. He tries to move past his past deeds (new name, newer place) but his guilt follows him.
I think you've got the general meaning. But I would only say that I don't think it's about performance - you mention "lifestyle" a lot and "doing things." I think it's more about relationship with God and closeness to him.
I think you've got the general meaning. But I would only say that I don't think it's about performance - you mention "lifestyle" a lot and "doing things." I think it's more about relationship with God and closeness to him.
Falling away means being far from God. It's not necessarily about what you "do" - it's about who you are.
Falling away means being far from God. It's not necessarily about what you "do" - it's about who you are.
And his "aim" for a "new name" represents being born again, but he admits his "name is lame," meaning that he has to constantly struggle to maintain his "new" life in relationship with God.
It's a really beautiful song about struggling with the terrible things in our nature and constant repentance. With my background knowledge of Tyler and the band, I see a heavy Christian theme but it's just my opinion.
To "fall away" seems to me like giving in to one's demons and losing light. He has to try to keep God in his life (keep the lights on) or else he might lose his way forever. The "pull" he feels that causes his skin to fall apart is the urge to do things that he knows are wrong.
The first verse is basically him waiting in line for judgment and recalling the way that he has lived. There is a desire to be adamant about his lifestyle, but it he knows that he is relatively powerless. The lines "But I'm lying, I'm so very far from fine" remind me of the song Be Concerned from Regional At Best. He lies to himself and God about how much he needs help.
The second verse starts to explore the effect of repentance. Instead of putting him at peace, he questions if he really deserves the grace he is shown. He tries to move past his past deeds (new name, newer place) but his guilt follows him.
I think you've got the general meaning. But I would only say that I don't think it's about performance - you mention "lifestyle" a lot and "doing things." I think it's more about relationship with God and closeness to him.
I think you've got the general meaning. But I would only say that I don't think it's about performance - you mention "lifestyle" a lot and "doing things." I think it's more about relationship with God and closeness to him.
Falling away means being far from God. It's not necessarily about what you "do" - it's about who you are.
Falling away means being far from God. It's not necessarily about what you "do" - it's about who you are.
And his "aim" for a "new name" represents being born again, but he admits his "name is lame," meaning that he has to constantly struggle to maintain his "new" life in relationship with God.