Firstman wrote it all down and sang his songs like his life depended on it. When the world stopped spinning, he’d landed a regular gig as the bandleader on the Carson Daly Show. For four years, this was his university – playing and writing songs in whatever style the show’s musical guests played and learning how to engage a studio audience, day in and day out. That gig ended in early 2009 and Firstman will be releasing his 7th studio album, Live At The Treehouse, on Rock Ridge Music on August 17th, 2010.
Speak Your Mind
Joe Firstman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I warmed to her
I took to her like a handout
And so I wait for her
Like a check in the mail
And I slept with her in a dream last night
Well I was lying like a salesman
Down on that boulevard
Like a discount spool of yarn
I been messing up
You've been resting
I guess I should get some sleep sometime
I been reaching in my bag
Joking like a cocaine hag
And you will always speak your mind
You were sleeping like a baby
After painting your decisions on the wall
I was weighing all your wishes in my head
Instead you caught me out there wandering the halls
I was sicker than a cancer
But you were pivotal in my recovery
Out the door you came
Knowing you would never stay
Knowing I could never ever leave
I been messing up
You've been resting
I guess I should get some sleep sometime
I been reaching in my bag
Joking like a cocaine hag
And you will always speak your mind
What you don't know
You don't know
What you don't know
You don't know
What you don't know
You don't know
I been messing up
You've been resting
I guess I should get some sleep sometime
I been reaching in my bag
Joking like a cocaine hag
And you will always speak your mind
The first verse of Joe Firstman's "Speak Your Mind" describes the singer's infatuation with a woman named July. The singer is enamored by July, comparing her to an angel and remarking that he "took to her like a handout." He eagerly anticipates her presence, waiting for her as eagerly as he would wait for a check in the mail. He recalls a dream he had the previous night in which he "slept with her," but acknowledges that he was "lying like a salesman" on a boulevard.
In the next verse, the singer reflects on his own shortcomings, with the line "I been messing up." He contrasts his own restlessness with the woman's ability to "speak her mind." He describes himself as "reaching in my bag" and "joking like a cocaine hag," suggesting that he turns to drugs rather than facing his problems. When he tries to weigh July's wishes against his own thoughts, he is caught wandering the halls, showing how he struggles with reconciling his desires with hers.
At its core, "Speak Your Mind" is a song about relationships and communication. The singer struggles with communicating his needs and desires, but ultimately recognizes the importance of honesty and openness. The song also touches on the theme of addiction, suggesting that the singer may use drugs to avoid facing difficult emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
July came to me like an angel
The month of July felt like a blessing to me
And I warmed to her
I began to appreciate and enjoy the month
I took to her like a handout
I eagerly accepted the good things that came with July
And so I wait for her
I anticipate and look forward to July again
Like a check in the mail
As if I am waiting for a payment or something important in the mail
And I slept with her in a dream last night
I dreamed of July and the positive experiences associated with it
Well I was lying like a salesman
I was not being entirely truthful
Down on that boulevard
In that particular location
She would barter for a tightrope
She would trade or negotiate for something she wants
Like a discount spool of yarn
In a bargain or negotiation, like someone trying to get a good deal on yarn
I been messing up
I have made mistakes
You've been resting
You have been taking it easy
I guess I should get some sleep sometime
I should rest and take care of myself
I been reaching in my bag
I have been searching for something
Joking like a cocaine hag
Making light of a serious situation or addiction
And you will always speak your mind
You are honest and straightforward in your communication
You were sleeping like a baby
You were peacefully and soundly asleep
After painting your decisions on the wall
After making your choices and having a clear plan
I was weighing all your wishes in my head
I was considering and contemplating all of your desires
Instead you caught me out there wandering the halls
Instead, you found me wandering aimlessly around
I was sicker than a cancer
I was very sick and struggling
But you were pivotal in my recovery
You played a crucial role in helping me get better
Out the door you came
You left suddenly
Knowing you would never stay
Knowing that you were not going to stick around
Knowing I could never ever leave
Realizing that I am unable to escape the situation or relationship
What you don't know
The things you are unaware of
You don't know
You have no knowledge of those things
I been messing up
I have been making mistakes
You've been resting
You have been taking it easy
I guess I should get some sleep sometime
I should rest and take care of myself
I been reaching in my bag
I have been searching for something
Joking like a cocaine hag
Making light of a serious situation or addiction
And you will always speak your mind
You are honest and straightforward in your communication
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE FIRSTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind