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.
I am a question to the world
not and answer to be Heard
or a moment that's held in your arms
and what do you think you'd ever say
I won't listen anyway
you don't know me
and I'll never be what you want me to be
and what do you think you'd understand
I'm a boy no, I'm a man
You can't take me and throw me away
And how can you learn what's never shown
Yeah you stand here on your own
They don't know me
Cause I'm not here
And I want a moment to be real
Wanna touch things I don't feel
We want to hold on and feel I belong
And how can the world want me to change
They're the ones that stay the same
They don't know me
Cause I'm not here
And you see the things they never see
All you wanted I could be
Now you know me and I'm not afraid
And I wanna tell you who I am
Can you help me be a man
They can't break me
As long as I know who I am
They can't see me
But I'm still here
They can't tell me who to be
Cause I'm not what they see
Yeah, the world is still sleeping
While I keep on dreaming for me
And their words are just whispers and lies
That I'll never believe
And I want a moment to be real
Wanna touch things I don't feel
We want to hold on and feel I belong
And how can they say I'll never change
They're the ones that stay the same
I'm the one now
Cause I'm still here
I'm the one
Cause I'm still here
I'm still here
I'm still here
I'm still here
not and answer to be Heard
or a moment that's held in your arms
and what do you think you'd ever say
I won't listen anyway
you don't know me
and I'll never be what you want me to be
and what do you think you'd understand
I'm a boy no, I'm a man
You can't take me and throw me away
And how can you learn what's never shown
Yeah you stand here on your own
They don't know me
Cause I'm not here
And I want a moment to be real
Wanna touch things I don't feel
We want to hold on and feel I belong
And how can the world want me to change
They're the ones that stay the same
They don't know me
Cause I'm not here
And you see the things they never see
All you wanted I could be
Now you know me and I'm not afraid
And I wanna tell you who I am
Can you help me be a man
They can't break me
As long as I know who I am
They can't see me
But I'm still here
They can't tell me who to be
Cause I'm not what they see
Yeah, the world is still sleeping
While I keep on dreaming for me
And their words are just whispers and lies
That I'll never believe
And I want a moment to be real
Wanna touch things I don't feel
We want to hold on and feel I belong
And how can they say I'll never change
They're the ones that stay the same
I'm the one now
Cause I'm still here
I'm the one
Cause I'm still here
I'm still here
I'm still here
I'm still here
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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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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.
Mountain Song
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"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Amazing
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
i think your lyrics are just alittle off. im not sure. i think it goes "im a boy, no im a man" ......... and later in the song i think it goes "there words are just whispers and lies that ill never believe." either way, killer song. pretty catchy and good lyrics. typical rzeznik shit.
I agree with pool_shark930 on the lyrics. Great song, I found myself kind of feeling the words with certain situations around me.
Johnny Rzeznik is an awesome artist. And the name Rzeznik just kicks ass too. I don't get why he recorded this under his name, because it sounds exactly like a Goo Goo Dolls song(which means very good). But whatever, its quite amazing. As for the meaning, im just assuming its about being who you are and living your life that way. Not doing what everyone else wants you to do. Just thought I should add that this song is from the movie "Treasure Planet".
i really relate to this song at the mo, i'm always being told by everyone to be something i'm not n this song pretty much sums up my feelings. great song, but then u wouldn't expect anything less from johnny rzeznik.
If I'm ever down, this song can pick me up again. To me it's about finding yourself, becoming an individual, staying true to your beliefs and values while everyone else's are changing around you.
I can listen to this song over and over again, and not get tired of it. I burned it onto a CD, and listen to it a few times everyday, when I am just sitting around in my room, writing and thinking. I think that Johnny Rzenik is talking about how you should be who you are, and not listen to the world around you, not let them change you. I can definetly relate to this song.
this is my anthem. it fits so well. its nice.
Johnny Rzeznik is so hot!! He's such a great artist, so original, so pretty :). I think I'm in love....
This song is basically my "Life song" I love it and ever since I heard it I was amazed. Anyways, I think this song is about finding who you are and all the obstacles that you face. It is one of the best songs of all time.
I love this song... I agree with everyone on the meaning... It's very relateable. I love the line "And how can the world want me to change | They're the ones that stay the same"... I think it's a great part of the song.