They are not from Ohio.
EFO's early sound was almost entirely acoustic, including such unusual touches as hand percussion, though over the years they have gradually shifted towards incorporating more electric instruments. EFO's focus on rich harmonies and literate, quirky songwriting has remained strong. Though they have been playing their own smart, tuneful songs (by songwriters Schaefer and Clem) since the beginning of their 15-year existence, the band's repertoire also includes some notable covers of songs by The Byrds and Blues Traveler.
The band has won several WAMMIES (music awards given to bands from the Washington D.C. area) and tours throughout the United States.
Undone
Eddie From Ohio Lyrics
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she’s guessing that it’s
all part of the game
she is thinking, of words to part on
little does she know
she’s begging for her name
it’s the house on the corner
they might strip this cycle clean
but keep circling instead
She is smashing the light out
succumbing to the lesions of desire
circle the wagons, pass the guns out
fetch your horses men
this gun’s for hire
(she’s gonna fire)
Chorus
an eye for an eye, these samurais-
each at the ready
neither to be the first to flinch-
steady – steady
he is leaving, the door open
she is calling out his name
just like a man, he revs the engine
she wonders why
he always leaves the same way
(and if he ever came)
Chorus
The lyrics of Eddie From Ohio's song Undone tell the story of a woman who finds herself in a precarious situation. She is seeking forgiveness for a mistake she has made, but she is uncertain if it is all a part of a game. She wonders what words would convince the person to forgive her, but little does she know that she is actually begging for her name. The lyrics suggest that the woman is in a state of vulnerability, and she is not fully aware of the consequences of her actions.
In the second verse, the woman's vulnerability turns into aggression. She starts smashing the light out and giving in to her desire. The lyrics suggest that she is in a state of chaos, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to satisfy her desires. The words "fetch your horses men, this gun's for hire" suggest that she is ready to take on anyone who stands in her way. The chorus gives the song a strong sense of urgency, with the lyrics "an eye for an eye, these samurais- each at the ready, neither to be the first to flinch- steady – steady" suggesting that the woman is prepared to fight for what she wants.
The final verse sees the woman's aggression turn into sadness as she watches the object of her desire leave. She calls out his name in the hope that he will stay, but he drives away just like he always does. The lyrics suggest that the woman is trapped in a cycle of desire and disappointment, and there seems to be no way out of it. The song leaves the listener with a sense of unease, as we are uncertain what will happen to the woman next.
Line by Line Meaning
She is begging, for her pardon
She is pleading for forgiveness for something she has done.
she’s guessing that it’s all part of the game
She thinks her actions and the resulting consequences are expected and planned.
she is thinking, of words to part on
She is preparing to leave or say goodbye but is struggling to find the right words.
little does she know / she’s begging for her name
She is unaware that her actions are taking away her identity and sense of self.
it’s the house on the corner / with the shutters painted red
The setting of the story is a specific house with red shutters on the corner.
they might strip this cycle clean / but keep circling instead
The situation may change, but the same patterns and cycles continue.
She is smashing the light out / succumbing to the lesions of desire
She is giving in to her desires and acting recklessly as a result.
circle the wagons, pass the guns out / fetch your horses men / this gun’s for hire (she’s gonna fire)
She is preparing to fight, and everyone is getting ready for battle. She is ready to take action.
an eye for an eye, these samurais / each at the ready / neither to be the first to flinch / steady - steady
In the fight, everyone is prepared to fight back and defend themselves. No one will back down or hesitate.
he is leaving, the door open / she is calling out his name
He is leaving and not closing the door, while she is calling out to him.
just like a man, he revs the engine / she wonders why / he always leaves the same way / (and if he ever came)
He leaves abruptly and with force, like a typical portrayal of masculinity. She questions why he always leaves the same way and if he even truly came in the first place.
Contributed by Oliver T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.