Simple thing
Tribe of Heaven Lyrics
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And oh, he offered them heaven but they chose to die
Oh, the burden of knowing what cannot be said
Was laid on him,
Like a stone that grew heavy only once he was dead
Meet me tomorrow I must get away
Because I, feel like I've waited too long in this place
To pick up your bags and your things
Just leave
And oh, maybe the times aren't as half as bad now
Yes and oh, maybe the lies aren't as half as sad now
But oh, I want us to live and I want us to know
Because I, dreamed of a place and I want us both to go
God it's such a simple thing
To pick up your bags and your things
Just leave
Just leave
Just leave
The lyrics of Tribe of Heaven's "Simple Thing" tell the story of someone who offered happiness and salvation to others but was ultimately ignored and rejected. The first stanza refers to a person who acted as a "lantern" for others, guiding them towards enlightenment and joy. However, those people chose to "close their eyes" and ignore the light offered to them, ultimately leading to their demise despite the efforts of the lantern-bearer. The second stanza speaks to a desire for change and escape from a stagnant or unhappy situation. The singer dreams of a place where they and their loved one can go to live and truly know each other.
The chorus repeats the phrase "God it's just a simple thing / To pick up your bags and your things / Just leave" as a call to action for the singer and their partner. The message of the song is ultimately about the human desire for happiness and fulfillment, and the sadness that comes with trying to offer that to others and having your efforts ignored. The heavy burden of a desire for change is apparent in the lyrics, as the singer longs for a simple escape from a situation that has grown burdensome.
Line by Line Meaning
And oh, he was a lantern but they closed their eyes
Despite being a guiding light to others, they chose to ignore his advice.
And oh, he offered them heaven but they chose to die
He gave them the chance for a better life, but they chose to stay in their current situation.
Oh, the burden of knowing what cannot be said
The weight of knowing something that you can't share with others
Was laid on him,
He alone had to bear the knowledge that he couldn't share.
Like a stone that grew heavy only once he was dead
The burden became unbearable only after he was no longer alive.
Meet me tomorrow I must get away
I need to leave this place and start anew.
Because I, feel like I've waited too long in this place
I've been stuck here for too long and need to move on.
God it's just a simple thing
Leaving and starting anew is not complicated.
To pick up your bags and your things
Gather your belongings and leave.
Just leave
Move on and start a new chapter in life.
And oh, maybe the times aren't as half as bad now
Things might have improved since the difficult times.
Yes and oh, maybe the lies aren't as half as sad now
The impact of lies might not be as severe as before.
But oh, I want us to live and I want us to know
Despite the past, I want us to have a fulfilling life together.
Because I, dreamed of a place and I want us both to go
I have a vision of a better future and want to share it with you.
Just leave
Move on and start a new chapter in life.
Just leave
Leaving is not complicated, just gather your belongings and go.
Just leave
Begin anew and live a fulfilling life.
Contributed by Hailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@otsegoflake
You're very welcome. :) Everyone needs to hear this album.
@maureenocal
Been searching EVERYWHERE, seems like, for a recording of this. I was almost at the point where I was sure the record was just a legend. Thank you thank you!!
@RosePorto
Can't stop to hear.. Amazing!!
@losdivos3329
Very cool. I could listen to this, twice more.
@darkclouds27
WoW this is so amazing! I never knew STJL was written before DMB formed. The acoustic guitars are like angels singing from the heavens. LoVE Dave and Mark's harmonic vocals. god damn the lies, god damn the way things are....LoVe this track.
@darkclouds27
Thank you for posting this otsegoflake!
@timrdmb1
Really cool!
@matthewshipman3032
oh shit
@drewlang1283
Who is on drums?
@drewlang1283
Sorry - i had the Avett bros - playing at the same time - overlaid - sounded good for a second - especially the drumming ---lol