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.
Who's so phony and always surrounded?
Stop your screaming, no one can hear
All the scars on your skin post no bills
Who you were
Was so beautiful
Remember who, who you where
Hide from the mirror, the cracks and the memories
Hide from your family, they won't know you now
For all the holes in our soul host no thrills
Who you were
Was so beautiful
Memories who, who you where
Stop your screaming, no one can hear
All the scars on your skin post no bills
Who you were
Was so beautiful
Remember who, who you where
Hide from the mirror, the cracks and the memories
Hide from your family, they won't know you now
For all the holes in our soul host no thrills
Who you were
Was so beautiful
Memories who, who you where
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this is the Muse song that hits home for me, and i think it hits home for a ton more teenagers out there who have listened to it before.
Screenagers are teenagers who are obsessed with the internet. and technology. but in my eyes, it looks to me like it is about a teenager who has some kind of depression, puts up a screen (not a computer in a sense), and hides him or herself from the world, especially the family. they self harm, and do whatever they can to make themselves feel wanted and known somehow.
it's a sad song, and to be honest? i feel it, it makes me cry. in the chorus when he says "who you were, was so beautiful, remember who... who you were", it is almost as if he is asking for the kid to say what's wrong, you don't have to do this.
@RiddledRevengexx agree with your interpretation. I like the play on words you suggest regarding "screenagers". I picked up the original meaning, but after reading your post agree that it has been used with a double meaning (as you suggest ... a screen to hide their true self).<br /> <br /> Is it really a sad song though? Or is it a cry to teenagers to be their self (which is empowering and uplifting)?
it's about showing one face to everyone but, hiding who you really are from them...
Screenager was called 'Razor Blades' before Origin Of Symmetry was released.
The name Screenager (probably referring to how the kids all today talk through computers, text messages, TVs etc). It's related to the rest of the album about how these new technologies are meant to bring us closer together, but they actually make us drift apart.
The fact it used to be called Razor Blades and the lyrics make me think this is about how teenagers feel they have to harm themelves to feel alive.. and they want to connect with their family again but they can't because of the teenage disagreements.
They used to be beautiful but they aren't because they've been scarring themselves mentally and physically with what goes on. It's kind of about the innocence you lose in this age.
There are two reasonable meanings that this song could have. Self-mutilation is the first meaning, as many people have stated below... But after listening to it a few more times, emotionally, sniffles... I really think it could be about a drug addict as well. The part where they mention hiding from your family, and the fact that they shan't know you now really points towrds this, as most people would want to hide the shame of being a drug addict. Plus, it DEFINITELY changes you, your personality, and your mentality. And I can understand not wanting to look in the mirror, because you might not look too.. pretty... when you're all hopped up on the stuff. The "scars" could be from burns from smoking, maybe? Or needles. And in the chorus, someone this person knows and used to cherish sees that whoever the subject is has become something truly awful, horrible and ugly, just wants to see the real "whoever" again, and is pleading for him/her to remember how amazing he/she is on their own... Such a dark yet poetic meaning. I love it!!!
I cant believ no one posted on this one! It`s so whaaa! Its so great and so sad and so beautiful. But it makes me sad to know, that there are people who know and write such songs...
i agree, this is a really nice song. it's neat how his voice can go so high. why doesnt anyone else post about this song??
good song, its about being a teenager who hides themself form their friends and eventually becomes someone else, i cant wait for their new album later this year
Come on people, post on this song, it's as beautiful as you're getting, and how high is Matt's voice!!?? To me this song is addressing the issue of self-mutilation.. it's about a teenager who thinks they are so alone and no-one is listening to them so they hurt themselves to feel better and to release the pain, even though they know that that is messed up-"all the scars on your skin, 'post no bills'". This song urges you to just be yourself, because you were a beautiful person before and this change isn't healthy and isn't right for you... I think Matt is saying that self-harming changes people a lot more than just physically and that eventually you will become a different person. You shouldn't hide yourself away from people, you should stand up and say 'this is who I am, not who I have become'. Anyone wants to talk about Muse or other kickass bands then feel free to e-mail me.
@electricveil I don't think it is about self-harm per se (or only). That is just what aspect of the characters life where they try to hide from themselves (put up a screen). Only one line really seems to hit on self-harm, the rest don't really tie in well with the assumption that this is the main (or only subject) being touched on in the song.
It is a really grear song and, yeah i guess, beautiful. I agree with the bit about Matt's high voice!!! I think it is about someone who had a really low self-esteem (but not necessairily hurt themselves) and tried to change themselves to "Fit In" but all their closest friends and family are noticing the change and think they should let their real selves shine thru again. Basically waht electricevil said!! I couldnt listen to this song at one point cos it really got to me, but i can now and i love i! It is sad and yet quite positive at the same time and the music and vocals are fab!
i posted a long one on here and it hasnt come up!! Bum! Basically wat electricevil said and this is a beautiful song! I couldnt listen to it at one point cos it got to me, but now i can and the music and vocals are fab.