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.
I am not washed-up
I should believe I am but I do not
I still read all their ungraded hatemail
Fourteen long years of school
And all I learned was to fail
Well I am not proud
To rot with that crowd
'Cause I am stronger
I was born in a force-ten gale
It takes more than hot air to blow the wind out of my sails
And my eyesight's poor
But I am the future:
Hear me roar
And get ready to talk hard
Know this: your head is not empty
So talk hard
Sha-la-la-la
You can do anything you feel
'Toilet-trained and dumb'
Once we can talk we learn by rote, "We are scum:
"We come from nothing?
"That's what we deserve"
Classrooms crowded with robots
We are Goebbel's children
But we're not down yet
Don't let them forget
That we are stronger
You are born
'Til the day you die, you are alive
So while you've got the time
At least try to justify yourself
The buck stops with you and no-one else, yeah
And get ready to talk hard
Know this: your head is not empty
So talk hard
Sha-la-la-la
You can do anything you feel
Anything you feel, yeah
Anything you feel
Talk hard talk hard talk hard talk talk hard
I should believe I am but I do not
I still read all their ungraded hatemail
Fourteen long years of school
And all I learned was to fail
Well I am not proud
To rot with that crowd
'Cause I am stronger
I was born in a force-ten gale
It takes more than hot air to blow the wind out of my sails
And my eyesight's poor
But I am the future:
Hear me roar
And get ready to talk hard
Know this: your head is not empty
So talk hard
Sha-la-la-la
You can do anything you feel
'Toilet-trained and dumb'
Once we can talk we learn by rote, "We are scum:
"We come from nothing?
"That's what we deserve"
Classrooms crowded with robots
We are Goebbel's children
But we're not down yet
Don't let them forget
That we are stronger
You are born
'Til the day you die, you are alive
So while you've got the time
At least try to justify yourself
The buck stops with you and no-one else, yeah
And get ready to talk hard
Know this: your head is not empty
So talk hard
Sha-la-la-la
You can do anything you feel
Anything you feel, yeah
Anything you feel
Talk hard talk hard talk hard talk talk hard
Lyrics submitted by enola
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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.
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[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.
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whenever i'm down on myself, whenever i feel i'm useless this is thew song i put on, its great