In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Can you hear the sound, of footsteps gather round?
Loud and clear, been going round here for years
From land to the sea, from shackle to city streets
They struggle and strike, troubling through day and night
Two colors of skin, who stand here to all join in
Among the crowd, say all loud
The time is now, for the rising,
Of the ghetto
For the rising, of the ghetto
There's no turning around, we will never be put down
Alive and well, we have not the time to fear
It's here and it's real, for all who can see and feel
To speak up for truth, to speak up for me and you
Time and again, it ways for us to join in
Among the crowd, say out loud
The time is now, for the rising,
Of the ghetto
For the rising, of the ghetto
Well it's been a long time, here on the wrong side
Running from flashlights, in alleys on dark nights
Watching the home team,
And keep us at arm's reach, in case there's a war to feed in
And it's been the same around here, for years
And everybody's tired of the fellows
Who try to make it hard, to live, around here
Get ready for the rising of the ghetto, whoa.
Loud and clear, been going round here for years
From land to the sea, from shackle to city streets
They struggle and strike, troubling through day and night
Two colors of skin, who stand here to all join in
Among the crowd, say all loud
The time is now, for the rising,
Of the ghetto
For the rising, of the ghetto
There's no turning around, we will never be put down
Alive and well, we have not the time to fear
It's here and it's real, for all who can see and feel
To speak up for truth, to speak up for me and you
Time and again, it ways for us to join in
Among the crowd, say out loud
The time is now, for the rising,
Of the ghetto
For the rising, of the ghetto
Well it's been a long time, here on the wrong side
Running from flashlights, in alleys on dark nights
Watching the home team,
And keep us at arm's reach, in case there's a war to feed in
And it's been the same around here, for years
And everybody's tired of the fellows
Who try to make it hard, to live, around here
Get ready for the rising of the ghetto, whoa.
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