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.
Tonight, I'm tangled in my blanket of clouds
Dreaming aloud
Things just won't do without you, matter of fact
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
I'm on your back
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you'd accept surrender, give up some more
Weren't you adored?
I cannot be without you, matter of fact
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
I'm on your back
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
Another heart is cracked
In two
I'm on your back, ooh-ooh-ooh
I cannot be without you, matter of fact
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
Another heart is cracked
In two
I'm on your back, ooh-oh-oh
Ooh-oh-oh
Dreaming aloud
Things just won't do without you, matter of fact
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
I'm on your back
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you'd accept surrender, give up some more
Weren't you adored?
I cannot be without you, matter of fact
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
I'm on your back
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
Another heart is cracked
In two
I'm on your back, ooh-ooh-ooh
I cannot be without you, matter of fact
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
I'm on your back
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
If you walk out on me
I'm walking after you
Another heart is cracked
In two
I'm on your back, ooh-oh-oh
Ooh-oh-oh
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
the song is basically choosing to stay in the other person's life even after the relationship. not because you're hoping to get back together but simply because there's that genuine care for that person that you wouldn't want anything to happen to her that would hurt her.
'im on your back' and 'i'm walking after you' are basically lines that say
I agree - when you love someone and you only want the best for them - and maybe you wish you had tried a little harder in the end you know you are always going to be there for them. Always.
It's just about not giving up on the person you love. It's not creepy It's being so in love you can't imagine not being with that person. Makes me think of my boyfriend. =] I'm well happy
Hope you're still there after over 7 years! I love your comment. It's a beautiful song. Makes me a bit teary-eyed. I heard it first on the end of the credits of the X Files movie from just a little earlier than your comment. I think it was picked out for the closing credits because of the Mulder-Scully relationship. But I really loved the song. Thanks!
I definitely like the version on 'The X-Files' soundtrack better. Either way, it's such a beautiful song. It's just amazing I think, and it shows sort of the other side of the Foo Fighters, in a way.
this is a really pretty song...the video makes me want to marry Dave...
realisation, maybe almost too late of quite how much someone means
One of the most amazing songs ever.
well KJ, you got a point. but this song is so pretty i cant help but praise it! I LOVE THIS SONG. It's what i listen to before i go to sleep each night. i know... im a nerd :)
You're not a nerd :) Hope you are still there after nearly 10 years!
i love this song, its not loud, it's quiet and peaceful and the lead singer's voiceis amazing
Things just won't do without you, matter of fact, I cannot be without you, matter of fact, I'm on your back.
its how i feel bout my girl! im so much inlove wif her!
After seeing the video, it seems like his girl has an addiction problem and he's trying to save her, but she's too far gone - ROCK BOTTOM. She keeps running, he's on her back, if she accepts surrender he'll give her more, wasn't she adored (at times she looks to be in a crack house, rehab, or running). She's torn between the drug and her love for him. Definitely a love song. He won't give up on her - "Walking After you." Funny how everyone has a different perspective!