Lyrics
Standing in the kitchen there's a mess I made this morning
Reflecting on a mess in the kitchen created earlier that morning.
And you're sitting with your coat on, you won't make it, it's too late, stay
The person is ready to leave, but the singer suggests staying.
The night shift makes you drink long, quarter to four, get a round more
Reference to a night shift job, involving drinking until early hours.
Round the table, keeping quiet, roommate's sleeping, we're a riot
Sitting quietly around a table, being considerate of a sleeping roommate.
And your sister's calling again, never seen you once pick it up
Mention of a sister calling, but the person doesn't answer the call.
Picking a fight I know you'll win
Aware of an impending argument, predicting the person will win.
But pretend I'm right
Asking the person to pretend the singer is right for the sake of harmony.
For the exercise
Doing so as an exercise or practice.
And the bell wakes you up, live above the corner shop
Waking up to a bell, living above a corner shop.
And I got to head out, but you got to run anyhow
Contrast in schedules – singer needs to head out, but the person has to run regardless.
Only touch under doorways
Physical contact limited to doorways.
That's something I'm always thinking about
Constantly thinking about this restriction.
When you're walking down that staircase
Imagining a scenario involving a staircase, hoping for communication.
Just hoping you'll tell me
Desire for the person to share something reassuring.
Something that don't
Expressing a wish for information that doesn't cause worry.
Don't make me worry
Emphasizing the desire to avoid anxiety.
And I got what I need
The singer has what they need.
You said "I'm good for one more
Quoting the person, indicating they are good for one more of something.
And if you're backing out I'll finish it for you"
If the person withdraws, the singer will take over or complete it for them.
And you started walking funny, but took the keys and left
Person starts walking strangely but leaves with the keys.
Quarter past eleven, and you drove back to
Time reference of quarter past eleven, and the person drives back to...
And she drove back to him
...someone else.
Waiting for the night bus, there's a siren running the block
Waiting for the night bus, siren in the background.
I think of you, trying not to, humming the song only you know the lyrics for
Thinking of the person, trying to avoid it, humming a familiar song.
It's a good one, but it feels wrong when I'm alone
The song feels wrong when alone in a shelter.
In the shelter, and the snow comes, it always does, it never stops
Reference to snowfall, a recurring event that is both predictable and unstoppable.
Ignore the thought, I know will come back, but pretend it's alright
Ignoring unsettling thoughts, pretending everything is fine.
For the exercise
Repeating the concept of pretending for the sake of practice or routine.
And I got what I need
Reiteration of having what is needed.
You said "I'm good for one more
Person is good for one more of something.
And if you're backing out I'll finish it for you"
If person withdraws, the singer will complete it for them.
And my brother's on the sofa, no he doesn't know it yet
Brother on the sofa, unaware of something significant.
Got the call at midnight
Receiving a call at midnight, prompting a return to...
And I went back to
...a place that was left earlier.
And I went back to bed
Returning to bed after the midnight call.
Comment