Chris Garneau is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, whose distinc… Read Full Bio ↴Chris Garneau is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, whose distinct musical style combines elements of folk, Americana, pop, baroque, and carnival music. Garneau cites Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone, Nico, and Chan Marshall, among others, as musical influences.

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.

The Leaving Song
Chris Garneau Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I, I know you like it
I, I know you do
I have made a ruckus
And I made it for you
You, you, you, you, you
You, you, you, you, you
You are all I know

You are all I know
Go, go, go, go
Go, just go
Sing, sing, sing
Of leaving songs
Like you're leaving

Goodbye
Goodbye

Overall Meaning

The Leaving Song by Chris Garneau is a melancholic and emotive track that explores the feeling of longing and sorrow that one experiences when a loved one leaves. In the opening lines of the song, Garneau acknowledges that the person he is singing to enjoys the attention that he gives them. He then goes on to say that he has caused a commotion and created chaos, all for the sake of this person. This suggests that he has done everything in his power to hold onto them, even if it meant causing a scene.

Garneau then repeats the phrase "You are all I know" multiple times, emphasizing the importance of this person in his life. However, he eventually realizes that the person he is singing to is going to leave, and there is nothing he can do to stop it. He urges them to go, to leave, and to not look back. The final lines of the song are a plea to the person to sing goodbye as they leave like it's a leaving song, acknowledging that their departure will leave a lasting mark on Garneau.

Overall, the Leaving Song is a powerful and emotional track that captures the pain of letting go of someone you love.

Line by Line Meaning

I, I know you like it
I am aware that you enjoy it

I, I know you do
I am aware that you do

I have made a ruckus
I have created a commotion

And I made it for you
And I did it because of you

You, you, you, you, you
You are constantly on my mind

You are all I know
You are the only thing I know for sure

Go, go, go, go
Leave, leave, leave, leave

Go, just go
Just leave, please

Sing, sing, sing
Sing, sing, sing

Of leaving songs
Songs about leaving