Garvey said of the track:
This was written in a little house in France, I remember my sister coming to visit, and walking up the country lane with her from the local village. Lyrically it’s simple; just telling a friend, who’s worried about an imminent child arriving, that everything will be fine.
...
My brother, fear is only natural
You need to chill your fucking bones
Lay her down, drink this in
While you can
Whisper, rest easy
There's a belly full of life
Watch her, she's dreaming
Of a belly full of life
Right there on the pillow
[Chorus]
This is why we are here
Rest easy
This is why we are here
Rest easy
You know that everything is finite
You know you too are not alone
Soothe her brow, drink her smile
Watch her dream
You'll feel Christ-like
When it's breathing in and out
And you'll feel Christ-like
When it's breathing in and out
Right there on the pillow
[Chorus]
This is why we are here
Rest easy
Presuming Ed (Rest Easy) was written by Richard Jupp & Mark Potter & Craig Potter & Pete Turner & Guy Garvey.
Presuming Ed (Rest Easy) was produced by Elbow & Ben Hillier.
Elbow released Presuming Ed (Rest Easy) on Mon May 07 2001.