Garneau, a native of Boston, lived with his family in Paris during grade school, and later New Jersey before moving to New York City. Garneau discovered a love of music at a young age while learning to play piano. After high school, Garneau briefly attended Berklee Music School in Boston, but left after completing one term and moved to Brooklyn, NY. There he began writing music and playing live shows at small venues in the East Village and Lower East Side of Manhattan, including CBGB's Gallery and "The Living Room".
Garneau eventually signed with Absolutely Kosher Records, an Emeryville, California-based record label. He was brought to the label by Jamie Stewart and Caralee McElroy of Xiu Xiu. Garneau released his debut album Music for Tourists in October 2006 and on iTunes in January 2007. His second project, an EP titled "C-Sides", was released in December 2007. Garneau's second full-length album, titled "El Radio," was released in July 2009.
Fireflies
Chris Garneau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're coming up, you're coming around the bend
You're my good friend
Best friend
And you're coming up, you're coming around the bend
Ha ha, ha
You're making friends with the fireflies
But the things they say are not what they seem
So you've been called to tell us what they mean
Yes, you've been called to tell us what they mean
It's a plot though
I told you so
I'm wising up, I'm wising up to them
They seem like good friends, best friends
and I'm wising up, I'm wising up to them
Ha ha, ha
You're making friends with the fireflies
You know when they die their light stays alive
But the things they say are not what they sees
So you've been called to tell us what they mean
Yes, you've been called to tell us what they mean
You're making friends with the fireflies
I can't say that that comes as a surprise
But the things they say are not what they seem
So you've been called to tell us what they mean
Yes, you've been called to tell us what they mean
The lyrics to Chris Garneau's song "Fireflies" convey an invitation for someone to open themselves up, to move forward slowly and with caution. The opening line, "It's not easy so, you take it slow," suggests that there are challenges and obstacles ahead, though it is not clear what those challenges might be. However, the idea of "coming up, coming around the bend" creates a sense of progress, hinting at a positive outcome.
As a friend, Garneau encourages this person on their journey, referring to them as his best friend. However, there is a hint of suspicion and ambiguity in the second verse. Garneau explains that the person in question is making friends with fireflies, which is not surprising, but then notes that "the things they say are not what they seem." This statement could be referencing rumors or hearsay about this friend's behavior, or it could be read more abstractly, as a general warning about the dangers of trusting one's own interpretations of the world.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that this person has been "called to tell us what they mean." It is not clear who "us" is in this context; it could be Garneau himself, or a larger community. But the repetition of this phrase, paired with the enigmatic nature of the lyrics, creates a sense of a looming responsibility or obligation.
Overall, "Fireflies" is a song that is open to interpretation. The lyrics contain a sense of mystery and uncertainty, but also a feeling of warmth and camaraderie.
Line by Line Meaning
Its not easy so, you take it slow
Things are difficult in life, but you're advised to take it slow and steady.
You're coming up, you're coming around the bend
You're making progress in life despite the difficulty.
You're my good friend
You are a close companion to me.
Best friend
There's an even deeper level of friendship between us.
And you're coming up, you're coming around the bend
You're continuing to progress and overcome obstacles in life.
Ha ha, ha
An expression of joy or amusement.
You're making friends with the fireflies
You're finding comfort and companionship in the small, glowing insects.
I can't say that that comes as a surprise
I expected that you would find friendship with the fireflies.
But the things they say are not what they seem
The fireflies' behavior and communication may be deceiving.
So you've been called to tell us what they mean
You've been tasked with understanding and interpreting the fireflies' communication.
Yes, you've been called to tell us what they mean
Emphasizing that the responsibility to understand the fireflies falls on you.
It's a plot though
There is a scheme or conspiracy happening involving the fireflies.
I told you so
I had previously warned or informed you of the possible deceitfulness of the fireflies.
I'm wising up, I'm wising up to them
I am becoming more aware and wise to the fireflies' true nature.
They seem like good friends, best friends
The fireflies may appear to be trustworthy and close friends.
and I'm wising up, I'm wising up to them
I am determined to not be deceived by the fireflies' charm or tricks.
You know when they die their light stays alive
Even after death, the fireflies' glowing light remains for a period of time.
So you've been called to tell us what they mean
Reiterating the importance of the task to understand and interpret the fireflies.
Yes, you've been called to tell us what they mean
Reemphasizing the responsibility you hold in deciphering the fireflies' communication.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRIS GARNEAU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind