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.
Out on the road
There are fireflies circling
Deep in the woods
Where the lost souls hide
Over the hill
There are men returning
Trying to find
Some peace of mind
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Under the fog
There are shadows moving
Don't be afraid
Hold my hand
Into the dark
There are eyelids closing
Buried alive
In the shifting sands
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Speak to me now
And the world will crumble
Open a door
And the moon will fall
All of your life
All your memories
Go to your dreams
Forget it all
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Ah-ah-ah-ah
There are fireflies circling
Deep in the woods
Where the lost souls hide
Over the hill
There are men returning
Trying to find
Some peace of mind
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Under the fog
There are shadows moving
Don't be afraid
Hold my hand
Into the dark
There are eyelids closing
Buried alive
In the shifting sands
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Speak to me now
And the world will crumble
Open a door
And the moon will fall
All of your life
All your memories
Go to your dreams
Forget it all
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Oh-oh-oh
Sleep my child
Ah-ah-ah-ah
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