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 flake of snow within a storm
A new way waiting to be born
In a world with need for change
A touch of love in fear of hate
A rushing wind that's asked to wait
For the promises of rain
A pearl of wisdom entrapped by poverty
She gives love with purity
Filling minds with hopeful schemes
To build worlds enhanced by peace
Draped in sparkling morning dew
She expresses life anew
From the earth beneath her feet
She is a flower that grows
In love ability, she's femininity
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why did they make you begin
When they know in time you'll find your truth
Before your cycle ends?
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why are you crying their fears
When the true reflection of you that they see
Is love besieged by years?
She has touched the farthest star
Her beauty speaks of what we are
And her freedom makes us free
Her now is in eternity, infinite to all that see
And her dreams have been achieved
Now there is a sound of laughter
Nature sings out her name
For the world to know her fame
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why did they criticize
When they knew your love could cast its spell
And consecrate their eyes?
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why do you linger in space
When you know in every heart that beats
You hold a special place?
When you know in every heart that beats
You hold a special place
A new way waiting to be born
In a world with need for change
A touch of love in fear of hate
A rushing wind that's asked to wait
For the promises of rain
A pearl of wisdom entrapped by poverty
She gives love with purity
Filling minds with hopeful schemes
To build worlds enhanced by peace
Draped in sparkling morning dew
She expresses life anew
From the earth beneath her feet
She is a flower that grows
In love ability, she's femininity
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why did they make you begin
When they know in time you'll find your truth
Before your cycle ends?
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why are you crying their fears
When the true reflection of you that they see
Is love besieged by years?
She has touched the farthest star
Her beauty speaks of what we are
And her freedom makes us free
Her now is in eternity, infinite to all that see
And her dreams have been achieved
Now there is a sound of laughter
Nature sings out her name
For the world to know her fame
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why did they criticize
When they knew your love could cast its spell
And consecrate their eyes?
Black Orchid, Black Orchid
Why do you linger in space
When you know in every heart that beats
You hold a special place?
When you know in every heart that beats
You hold a special place
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