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.
(Listen) to me, my best friend. Permission granted friend, but stay close to my heart and we'll get through this sad part. (Wander) with me, my lost friend and find something that makes sense. We catch drift far from home. Return to things we don't know. (This ship will burn) Breaking waves and bitter lives. (Full steam ahead) Turning tides and hanging minds. (Stop shoveling coal) Churn our sea, unpredictably. (The boiler room is full) (Recover) with me, my hurt friend. The wounds you wear aren't forever. The air will cool where you bleed. Your tears bear salt from our sea. (This ship will not overturn. These waves will not cool this burn. This sea will not swallow me. This past will not defeat me.) This distance is so absurding. Dropped anchor just to keep on moving. Found times bound ground in course from dead reckoning. The true course at what speed? Past times find ways to drown. Deciding distance for the present roaming. Off course source bound for worse in dead reckoning. We'll find true speed in traveling on. (Assumed command. Complied and warned those who don't know what it might have done.) (Hold on) to me, my last friend. My sails are free from all wind. Step down from my seat. My drowning mind sinks slowly.
Lyrics submitted by little_miss
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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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everytime I hear this song I always think he's saying "Permission granted FriendBot." it'd be cool if there was really a machine called friendbot. i would buy it.