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.
A quiet moment before the champ goes down through the doors of his decision to fight for one last round.
Though he's beaten and he knows it, no way in hell he's gonna throw it away
So on with the round and into the light of all the cameras and predictions,
news radio depictions of a fight he knew he'd never win
So for the record
It's just another day
All things fade away
He stood fast 'til the end and met his fate with a right hook to oblivion and no one cried.
His opponent young and eager to accept the admiration of the crowd paid no attention.
So down he goes surrounded by the faces that once proudly, only built him up.
Now he lies surrounded by the ones who do not care. Signed, sealed, delivered
He stood fast right until the very end, no commentary about the state of grace he's in.
The champion has lost, what will the paper say about a man whose proven only to be a man.
So for the record
It's just another day
All things fade away
It's just another day
How will I fade away
Though he's beaten and he knows it, no way in hell he's gonna throw it away
So on with the round and into the light of all the cameras and predictions,
news radio depictions of a fight he knew he'd never win
So for the record
It's just another day
All things fade away
He stood fast 'til the end and met his fate with a right hook to oblivion and no one cried.
His opponent young and eager to accept the admiration of the crowd paid no attention.
So down he goes surrounded by the faces that once proudly, only built him up.
Now he lies surrounded by the ones who do not care. Signed, sealed, delivered
He stood fast right until the very end, no commentary about the state of grace he's in.
The champion has lost, what will the paper say about a man whose proven only to be a man.
So for the record
It's just another day
All things fade away
It's just another day
How will I fade away
Lyrics submitted by Quicksilver
Contender Lyrics as written by Jacob Ira Kiley Christopher Travis Jr Aiken
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think this song is about how nothing in this world will last, coming to terms with this idea and gracefully accepting it. Even when "all things fade away".
Jason uses a great metaphor of a boxer throughout the entire song. He represents anyone who has something worthwhile.
The boxer knew before the fight began that he was going to lose the fight along with the reputation that he had worked so hard to achieve (which means everything to him). However, he still chooses to compete and to lose with dignity. "How will I fade away?"
His opponent is "young and eager" and doesn't consider the fact that the old champion has been betrayed by everyone who made him the champ. The opponent "paid no attention" to the fact that it is just a matter of time before he follows in the footsteps of the champ and loses everything. This goes for all of the future champions as well.
Jason finishes with a question that forces the reader to consider how they accept their fate.
Fuckin great song