The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Many's the day, I took for granted
Breathing the air that silenced some
The North wind blew
It's head asunder
Beating it's breast with a war drenched song
Bathe awhile, awash in slumber
Cry what's left to sleep
When you dream of the love ya left forever
But pity no more nor greive
So we're the kings of it all
The day we were born
Yeah we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave a sup
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High
Listen to the sound of dead men dying
March as they flee but exile bound
Their ship once sailed no longer anchors
For gone is the green
And their hallowed ground
Toast to tears of times past glories
This ageless clock chime stalls
Where to kiss the lips of love forgotten
To fly where no others have soared
So we're the kings of it all
The day we were born
Now we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave us up
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High x2
Toast to tears of times past glories
This ageless clock chime stalls
Where to kiss the lips of love forgotten
To fly where no others have soared
So were the kings of it all
The day we were born
Now we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave us up
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High
So were the kings of it all
The day we were born
Now we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave us up
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High x2
"Oh Mary, this London's a wonderful sight"
Breathing the air that silenced some
The North wind blew
It's head asunder
Beating it's breast with a war drenched song
Bathe awhile, awash in slumber
Cry what's left to sleep
When you dream of the love ya left forever
But pity no more nor greive
So we're the kings of it all
The day we were born
Yeah we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave a sup
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High
Listen to the sound of dead men dying
March as they flee but exile bound
Their ship once sailed no longer anchors
For gone is the green
And their hallowed ground
Toast to tears of times past glories
This ageless clock chime stalls
Where to kiss the lips of love forgotten
To fly where no others have soared
So we're the kings of it all
The day we were born
Now we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave us up
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High x2
Toast to tears of times past glories
This ageless clock chime stalls
Where to kiss the lips of love forgotten
To fly where no others have soared
So were the kings of it all
The day we were born
Now we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave us up
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High
So were the kings of it all
The day we were born
Now we're the kings of the Kilburn High
Sure we'll always take a drop and we'll never leave us up
Your empty glass is but a tear filled eye
We were the kings of the Kilburn High x2
"Oh Mary, this London's a wonderful sight"
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death, edited by jonathanbruck
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
As well as being based on the Kilburn High Road play, you can relate this song to a bunch of mates growing old and reconciling through entertainment of their glorious stories from their past and old romances of their youth. I guess this song paints a pretty good description of the classic phrase "Remember when?".