So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
And if I weren't leavin',
Would I catch you dreamin'
And if I weren't gonna be gone now,
Could I take you home
And if I told you I love you,
Would it change what you see
And if I was staying,
Would you stay with me
And if I had money,
Would it all look good
And if I had a job now,
Like a good man should
And if I came to you tomorrow,
And said "let's run away"
Would you roll like the wind does,
Baby would you stay
My heart is dancin',
To a November tune
And I hope that you hear it,
Singing songs about you
And I sing songs of sorrow,
Because you're not around
See, babe I'm gone tomorrow,
Baby follow me down
And I don't know why I have to,
But this man must move on
I love my time here,
Didn't know 'til I was gone
November shadows, shade November change
November spells sweet memory, the season blue remains
November spells sweet memory, the season blue remains
Your yellow hair is like the sunlight,
However sweet it shines
Bit by the cold of December,
I'm warm beside your smile
Oh lady tell me I'm not leaving,
You're everything I dream
I'm killing myself thinking,
I've fallen like the leaves
I'm killing myself thinking,
I've fallen like the leaves
Would I catch you dreamin'
And if I weren't gonna be gone now,
Could I take you home
And if I told you I love you,
Would it change what you see
And if I was staying,
Would you stay with me
And if I had money,
Would it all look good
And if I had a job now,
Like a good man should
And if I came to you tomorrow,
And said "let's run away"
Would you roll like the wind does,
Baby would you stay
My heart is dancin',
To a November tune
And I hope that you hear it,
Singing songs about you
And I sing songs of sorrow,
Because you're not around
See, babe I'm gone tomorrow,
Baby follow me down
And I don't know why I have to,
But this man must move on
I love my time here,
Didn't know 'til I was gone
November shadows, shade November change
November spells sweet memory, the season blue remains
November spells sweet memory, the season blue remains
Your yellow hair is like the sunlight,
However sweet it shines
Bit by the cold of December,
I'm warm beside your smile
Oh lady tell me I'm not leaving,
You're everything I dream
I'm killing myself thinking,
I've fallen like the leaves
I'm killing myself thinking,
I've fallen like the leaves
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
This song is absolutely amazing for: the lyrical content/meaning, their beautiful harmonizing voices, the melancholy yet soothing music. I can't get over how much this song is relating to my life right now. I agree with Arnar's meaning. He's trying to keep the relationship going (or rather was trying) and has finally given up because she just won't put anymore effort into it. The worst part about all of this is the reason I'm able to relate. 1] It's November... 2] I feel like I'm going through that part of my relationship right now.
Honestly, it makes me tear up to listen to it but at the same time I can't help but to smile. For a song to have that both effects at the same time is awesome! And it doesn't hurt that it's one I can listen to over and over again.
:)
I really don't think it's about trying to continue a relationship; it's about falling in love with someone on an arbitrary november day. That's why all the hypothetic questions are asked in the very beginning of the song. He has to leave, but would sacrifice anything to be with this girl he had known for one day. (and I can totally relate to this)<br /> <br /> But the whole story is fleshed out in Denouncing November Blue (such a good song.)<br /> <br /> But November Blue is definitely my favorite Avett Bothers song. I dare you to find a more lyrical and beautiful song.