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.
oh wont you sing me a song
other than the things I long for
remind me of kinder times
with drier eyes
and cant you tell me why
Im forced to live this life
alone in and out of my mind
why am I forced to cry
why I spend my nights in silence
the discomfort of this akward space
that used to be replaced with you on the couch
Chorus:
cheek to cheek we lay
just let me stay inside
this moment forever
I could ask for nothing better
just dont let it pass away
blessed are the illusions
that bring me back to you
all so real and true
till Im awaken
by the realization
its all mearly a dream
here on the edge of this bed
my eyes they bleed
a beautiful stream
and my lonely sobs precede
a beautiful shade of grey
same as my heart they say
as these images replay
Chorus:
and I watch the hours one by one
and I wonder does the clock's hands grow numb?
Tired and weary from all the strain
much the same as the pain in this heart of mine
but hush your lips as I brush my fingers against them
I want no sympathy nor apathy no sorrowed goodbyes
just know that I love you, always my gem
Chorus:
other than the things I long for
remind me of kinder times
with drier eyes
and cant you tell me why
Im forced to live this life
alone in and out of my mind
why am I forced to cry
why I spend my nights in silence
the discomfort of this akward space
that used to be replaced with you on the couch
Chorus:
cheek to cheek we lay
just let me stay inside
this moment forever
I could ask for nothing better
just dont let it pass away
blessed are the illusions
that bring me back to you
all so real and true
till Im awaken
by the realization
its all mearly a dream
here on the edge of this bed
my eyes they bleed
a beautiful stream
and my lonely sobs precede
a beautiful shade of grey
same as my heart they say
as these images replay
Chorus:
and I watch the hours one by one
and I wonder does the clock's hands grow numb?
Tired and weary from all the strain
much the same as the pain in this heart of mine
but hush your lips as I brush my fingers against them
I want no sympathy nor apathy no sorrowed goodbyes
just know that I love you, always my gem
Chorus:
Lyrics submitted by lovehatesuicide
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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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The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
i really liek this song and i was wondering where i could find the music to it. i love the lyrics and would liek to actualyl hear the song. i wanna put it on a cd im making for my boyfriend, i dunno if its appropriate but im triyng to make the cd today or tomorrow so if you ever check your songs then please im me or email me ( my im is the same as this name) thanks bye