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.
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
Got my brother down cause it's nothing to me
(Yeah, it's nothing to me)
Everyone saying that it's wrong to cheat
But there's no other way to get my life on easy street
(Get your life on easy street)
Someone else telling you what you're living for
Been knocking you down, now you're looking for more
And the only sound you hear is a closing door
Been looking for peace but they're bringing you war
Rich man cryin' cause his money's time
And poor man's smilin' 'cause he knows he ain't blind
(Knows he ain't blind)
And there's a man over there, he says he's tougher than me
But I got eyes that can see through fantasy
(I can see through fantasy)
I think my life is passing me by
I think my life is passing me by
Take it all back 'cause it don't mean nothing
If you give it away then you're looking for something back
(Looking for something back)
You wake up every morning and there's nothing there
No reason to die but no reason to care
Someone else telling you what you're living for
Been knocking you down, now you're looking for more
Now the only sound you hear is a closing door
Been looking for peace but they're bringing you war
We got one life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
Got my brother down 'cause it's nothing to me
(It's nothing to me)
And there's a rich man cryin' 'cause his money is time
A poor man smilin' 'cause he knows he ain't blind
(He knows he ain't blind)
I think my life is passing me by
I think my life is passing me by
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
You know we're doing it wrong
Yeah we're doing it wrong you see
I said we're doing it wrong you see
You know we're doing it wrong you see
Yeah, we're doing it wrong you see
I said, we're doing it wrong you see
You know we're doing it wrong
I said we're doing it wrong
Got my brother down cause it's nothing to me
(Yeah, it's nothing to me)
Everyone saying that it's wrong to cheat
But there's no other way to get my life on easy street
(Get your life on easy street)
Someone else telling you what you're living for
Been knocking you down, now you're looking for more
And the only sound you hear is a closing door
Been looking for peace but they're bringing you war
Rich man cryin' cause his money's time
And poor man's smilin' 'cause he knows he ain't blind
(Knows he ain't blind)
And there's a man over there, he says he's tougher than me
But I got eyes that can see through fantasy
(I can see through fantasy)
I think my life is passing me by
I think my life is passing me by
Take it all back 'cause it don't mean nothing
If you give it away then you're looking for something back
(Looking for something back)
You wake up every morning and there's nothing there
No reason to die but no reason to care
Someone else telling you what you're living for
Been knocking you down, now you're looking for more
Now the only sound you hear is a closing door
Been looking for peace but they're bringing you war
We got one life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
Got my brother down 'cause it's nothing to me
(It's nothing to me)
And there's a rich man cryin' 'cause his money is time
A poor man smilin' 'cause he knows he ain't blind
(He knows he ain't blind)
I think my life is passing me by
I think my life is passing me by
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
One life to live but we're doing it wrong you see
You know we're doing it wrong
Yeah we're doing it wrong you see
I said we're doing it wrong you see
You know we're doing it wrong you see
Yeah, we're doing it wrong you see
I said, we're doing it wrong you see
You know we're doing it wrong
I said we're doing it wrong
Lyrics submitted by Humbert_Humbert
Brother Down Lyrics as written by Sam Lewis Roberts
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
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”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Ah, christ. I also forgot,
It's not cap my brother down, it's 'got my brother down'
Why I know this? I'm a lipreader. ¬_¬