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.
Hail to those who have come from the sunlight that surrounds you
Pray for those who have gone from the sunlight that surrounds you
Hail to those who have come from the sunlight that surrounds you
Pray for those who have gone from the sunlight that surrounds you
Pretend all the good things are for you
Hail to those who have come from the sunlight that surrounds you
Hail to whatever you've found in the sunlight that surrounds you
Pretend all the good things are for you, pretend all the good things are for me too
And the weather changes not halfway between your house and mine
Pretend all the good things are for you, pretend all the good things are for me too
And the weather changes not halfway between your house and mine
And all of the good things are for me, and all of the good things are for you too
And the weather changes not halfway between your house and mine
Pray for those who have gone from the sunlight that surrounds you
Hail to those who have come from the sunlight that surrounds you
Pray for those who have gone from the sunlight that surrounds you
Pretend all the good things are for you
Hail to those who have come from the sunlight that surrounds you
Hail to whatever you've found in the sunlight that surrounds you
Pretend all the good things are for you, pretend all the good things are for me too
And the weather changes not halfway between your house and mine
Pretend all the good things are for you, pretend all the good things are for me too
And the weather changes not halfway between your house and mine
And all of the good things are for me, and all of the good things are for you too
And the weather changes not halfway between your house and mine
Hail to Whatever You Found in the Sunlight That Surrounds You song meanings
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i'm listening to rilo kiley playing this at the 2003 elliott smith tribute right now, and it's making me think that it's about people around you that you admire. "Hail to those who have come from the sunlight that surrounds you." You should admire the people around you that are amazing. I guess that reading of it makes it really fitting for the Elliott Smith tribute.