How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

This song is about sanctuary. The idea of offering someone a place to go that is safe for whoever they are and whatever has happened in their lives.

In the third episode of I Only Listen To The Mountain Goats, John Darnielle explained the creation and theme of the song,

I got an idea to tell a story about a bunch of people in a room or a house. I think I wrote it when I learn that when I flew to Australia that I was going to be flying through Taipei. So I start writing this story that turns out to be about sanctuary. Sanctuary is a profound notion. This idea to offer someone a place to go that is safe for whoever they are and whatever has happened in their lives. That’s a profound notion, cuz it’s what you want. It’s what you get as a young child if you have good parents. “You have sanctuary here you are safe with us”—Heavy thing to say to people you are safe with us “It’s a promise. Usually one that most people can fulfill for so long, because you can’t protect people, but you can say, “I’ll do what I can.”

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did The Mountain Goats say about "Color in Your Cheeks"?
Genius Answer

John Darnielle in a Reddit AMA on June 7, 2011:

‘Color In Your Cheeks’ is just a story about safe places and acceptance."

He also described it as “a song about making new friends” in an NPR podcast.

Comments