Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
I left my friends for the strangers of the town
Between doves and elephants, there can be no common ground
Time obscures their dreary tongues
Makes a ghost of everyone
Call them what they are
A million shadows
They all get pregnant or diseased
I didn’t send for you when I was meant to
Lost a friend in you, but then I meant to
And only my skirts, only my skirts miss you now
You told me that no matter where I went would be a prison
That the world is harsh, I know it is but,
It only hurts, it only hurts if you say “ow”
The things that you don’t think about don’t exist
The day I left there was a lightening strike
Left a border of flames
Tasted carbon on the night
Felt the shape of your name
And everybody knew the secret circus was a fairytale
But I thought I saw a big top in the darkness
Thought I heard a whiplash split the sky
Should’ve heard the helicopter screaming
Everybody thought that they were dreaming
Everything was hot, the ground was steaming
Voices calling out across the water
Firemen and TV news reporters
Stepping on their video recorders
Oh but cameras are liars
I saw bears and there were tigers
And I heard brass in the hiss of the propeller sound
And there were shuffles in the distance as the planes gathered 'round
And there were faces in the vapours, there were acrobats and clowns
You always told me that I tend to overdramatise
But I have seen these things with my very own eyes
And then they faded into ether
And I don't know why (And it’s no surprise)
I guess I didn’t hear the call for when the curtain died
Because the things you set on fire don’t exist
Between doves and elephants, there can be no common ground
Time obscures their dreary tongues
Makes a ghost of everyone
Call them what they are
A million shadows
They all get pregnant or diseased
I didn’t send for you when I was meant to
Lost a friend in you, but then I meant to
And only my skirts, only my skirts miss you now
You told me that no matter where I went would be a prison
That the world is harsh, I know it is but,
It only hurts, it only hurts if you say “ow”
The things that you don’t think about don’t exist
The day I left there was a lightening strike
Left a border of flames
Tasted carbon on the night
Felt the shape of your name
And everybody knew the secret circus was a fairytale
But I thought I saw a big top in the darkness
Thought I heard a whiplash split the sky
Should’ve heard the helicopter screaming
Everybody thought that they were dreaming
Everything was hot, the ground was steaming
Voices calling out across the water
Firemen and TV news reporters
Stepping on their video recorders
Oh but cameras are liars
I saw bears and there were tigers
And I heard brass in the hiss of the propeller sound
And there were shuffles in the distance as the planes gathered 'round
And there were faces in the vapours, there were acrobats and clowns
You always told me that I tend to overdramatise
But I have seen these things with my very own eyes
And then they faded into ether
And I don't know why (And it’s no surprise)
I guess I didn’t hear the call for when the curtain died
Because the things you set on fire don’t exist
Lyrics submitted by sepata
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!
More Featured Meanings
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
"Call them what they are, a million shadows..."
Ouch. Actually physically hurt with the goodness of it.
'You told me that no matter where I went would be a prison That the world is harsh, I know it is but...'
i love that line so much.
This is one of my absolute favorite songs. When it pulls back from the drum beats and crescendoing in the middle with "You always told me that I tend to overdramatize," it kills me every time.
"You told me that no matter where I went would be a prison, that the world is harsh; I know it is, but, it only hurts if you say "Ow.""
Love that part. That was the bit that dragged the rest of the song into my head and made it stay there for weeks.