The song is about an absent father explaining to his son all of the characteristics he has passed down.
It also contains several responses back from the son about the things the Father missed “when you’re not around”
Hey you got a lot from me
Hey you got a lot from me
Yeah when the sun goes down
When you're not around
Feverish tenacity
Addictive personality
Yeah when the song played out
When you're not around
(Woah woah) I'm on the wrong side of lonesome
(Woah woah) I take the long way home
(Woah woah) You got a funny way of saying goodbye
I leave the hall light on all night
Hey you got a lot from me
Hey you got a lot from me
Yeah when the sun goes down
When you're not around
Heart bigger than Jupiter
Verbal executioner oh oh
Yeah with a voice raised proud
When you're not around
(Woah woah) I'm on the wrong side of lonesome
(Woah woah) I take the long way home
(Woah woah) You got a funny way of saying goodbye
I leave the hall light on all night
(Woah woah) I'm on the lrong side of lonesome
(Woah woah) I take the wrong way home
(Woah woah) You got a funny way of saying goodbye
I keep the side door locked up tight
I leave the hall light on all night