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.
In that September off Isle Aux Morts
The desultory sea grew more so through the night
And made one think of tawny ports
And aspen tremblin' in tomorrow's thorough light
And of Tallulah Bankhead and Canada Lee
Somewhere far-off, peaceful, sleeping and done with acting
Past the Dire Wolf's lair on a Newfoundland's paws
Close to nowhere, halfway across
Never more here, expanse getting broader
Though bigger boats been done by this water
Though better boats been done by this water
Though better boats been done by less water
In that September off Isle Aux Morts
Colourable seas grew more so through the night
And made one think of yawnin' shores
Gambier bleached in tomorrow's thorough light
And the Tallulah Bankhead and Canada Lee
Somewhere far-off, peaceful, sleeping they learned to love sleep
At the Dire Wolf's crest the Newfoundland paused
Desolate's best was gotten across
We were never more here, expanse getting broader
When better boats been done by this water
At the Dire Wolf's best the Newfoundland paused
So desperate as to be a lost cause
You were never more here, expanse getting broader
When better boats been done by this water
When bigger boats been done by less water
And better boats been done by this water
When bigger boats been done by less water
And better boats been done by this water
The desultory sea grew more so through the night
And made one think of tawny ports
And aspen tremblin' in tomorrow's thorough light
And of Tallulah Bankhead and Canada Lee
Somewhere far-off, peaceful, sleeping and done with acting
Past the Dire Wolf's lair on a Newfoundland's paws
Close to nowhere, halfway across
Never more here, expanse getting broader
Though bigger boats been done by this water
Though better boats been done by this water
Though better boats been done by less water
In that September off Isle Aux Morts
Colourable seas grew more so through the night
And made one think of yawnin' shores
Gambier bleached in tomorrow's thorough light
And the Tallulah Bankhead and Canada Lee
Somewhere far-off, peaceful, sleeping they learned to love sleep
At the Dire Wolf's crest the Newfoundland paused
Desolate's best was gotten across
We were never more here, expanse getting broader
When better boats been done by this water
At the Dire Wolf's best the Newfoundland paused
So desperate as to be a lost cause
You were never more here, expanse getting broader
When better boats been done by this water
When bigger boats been done by less water
And better boats been done by this water
When bigger boats been done by less water
And better boats been done by this water
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not only do the hip rock, but they rock Canadian style! and there ain't no better way! this song, with the powerful drum intro and sweet lyrics is - in my opinion - one of the hip's best. and, oh man, this song live is awsome!