Easy Come Easy Go
Grant McLennan Lyrics
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I might have even struck the match.
I love to see them burn.
Now I know it's my turn.
You've got to take the moon from the trees.
You've got to hide it in your room.
You've got to hold it till it burns.
I've lived my life at 2 a.m.
I've drunk your poison wine.
Your handshake felt like a knife.
Now I know it's my life.
You've got to take the moon from the trees.
You've got to hide it in your room.
You've got to hold it till it burns.
You've got to make it easy come, easy go.
I've spent my time on the ship
I've lived under the micro-chip.
I know it's the law of the land.
Now I know where I stand.
You've got to take the moon from the trees.
You've got to hide it in your room.
You've got to hold it till it burns.
You've got to make it easy come, easy go.
The lyrics of Grant McLennan's "Easy Come Easy Go" are tinged with a sense of introspection and hindsight, as the singer comes to terms with their own past actions and decisions. The first stanza introduces the idea of accountability, as the singer admits to being complicit in their friends' self-destruction. The line "I love to see them burn. Now I know it's my turn" suggests a certain guilt, as if the singer sees their own behavior reflected in their friends'.
The second stanza uses the image of the moon to convey the idea of control and possession. The singer advises, "You've got to take the moon from the trees. You've got to hide it in your room. You've got to hold it till it burns." This imagery could be interpreted as a metaphor for life's transient joys and pleasures, which must be cherished and preserved before they fade away.
In the final stanza, the singer reflects on their own life, describing it as being lived "on the ship" and "under the micro-chip." This seems to suggest a sense of detachment and powerlessness, as if they have been subject to external forces beyond their control. However, the concluding line "Now I know where I stand" implies that they have finally gained a sense of clarity and self-awareness.
Overall, "Easy Come Easy Go" is a contemplative meditation on the nature of existence, the choices we make, and the consequences that follow. Through its evocative imagery and intimate language, the song invites the listener to reflect on their own experiences and come to their own conclusions about life's complexities.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen my friends on fire.
I've witnessed my friends in a destructive state of mind and maybe have even played a role in sparking it.
I might have even struck the match.
I could have been the cause of their troubled behavior.
I love to see them burn.
I found pleasure in observing my friends suffer despite my contribution to their pain.
Now I know it's my turn.
I am now experiencing the difficulty that I once enjoyed watching my friends go through.
You've got to take the moon from the trees.
You must reach for the impossible, and seek for what seems out of reach.
You've got to hide it in your room.
Once you've obtained the impossible, you must keep it secret.
You've got to hold it till it burns.
You must cherish it and hold onto it until it is gone, never knowing when that time will come.
You've got to make it easy come, easy go.
You must realize that what you hold on to will eventually slip away, so do not cling to it too tightly.
I've lived my life at 2 a.m.
I have spent my life being awake and present during times of darkness and turmoil.
I've drunk your poison wine.
I have willingly consumed toxins and harmful substances that were offered to me by others.
Your handshake felt like a knife.
I have experienced betrayal and harm from those whom I believed to be my friends.
Now I know it's my life.
I am finally taking responsibility for my own life and well-being.
I've spent my time on the ship
I have been on a journey, perhaps due to circumstances beyond my control.
I've lived under the micro-chip.
I have been subjected to the rules and expectations of society and technology.
I know it's the law of the land.
I recognize and accept the norms and expectations expected from me by my societal environment.
Now I know where I stand.
I have found a solid understanding of myself and my place in the world.
Writer(s): Grant William Mclennan
Contributed by Parker V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Noel Riddell
Ah, Grant. You're still a HUGE part of my life's soundtrack. Thank you for everything.
Dheeraj BW
The look in his eyes says it all, he's recounting his own experiences here through forlorn self-reflection. You might have left Grant, but your essence will always be with me because of your songs and poetry, thanks for all of it mate R.I.P
JD P
love how this really carries on from the 16 Lovers Lane sound. What a talent and a sad loss.
Chris Marsh
The biggest praise I can give this that it would not be out of place on a Go Between album.
Bill Hay
I like the Go Betweens but I like his solo work even more.
poshladdie
What an artist. What a spirit.
Seachase100
Grant was such a goodlooking guy ... he had that gentle, intelligent and lovable aura about him.
Combine that with his enormous talent and the world was blessed with one special man.
He left us way too soon, but he certainly left a wealth of musical art behind for us to enjoy.
May he R.I.P.
Mark Crotty
this guy was a musical genius! still is music is infinite
Nic Peeters
And one of Australias greatest poets.
moniplanner
a genius....how many more good songs were in him? RIP.