Imagine starting a break-up song with "Well, give that girl my very best". It's so un-rock n' roll, it's brilliant.
To me the song's subdued tone and lack of any bitterness make it even more poignant. Guy is just quietly accepting that love has failed: "If it seems that it's just not enough to love, then love lie down".
The line "There were switches never flicked" is great too. He's looking back and wishing he'd made more of what he had while he had it, thinking of opportunities that he let pass and now he'll never have again.
Like most of Elbow's songs, this one doesn't take much analysis - Guy's lyrics are so direct, ordinary and effortless. And so great. I love Elbow.
Imagine starting a break-up song with "Well, give that girl my very best". It's so un-rock n' roll, it's brilliant.
To me the song's subdued tone and lack of any bitterness make it even more poignant. Guy is just quietly accepting that love has failed: "If it seems that it's just not enough to love, then love lie down".
The line "There were switches never flicked" is great too. He's looking back and wishing he'd made more of what he had while he had it, thinking of opportunities that he let pass and now he'll never have again.
Like most of Elbow's songs, this one doesn't take much analysis - Guy's lyrics are so direct, ordinary and effortless. And so great. I love Elbow.