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.
Well the good lord is such a good lord with such a good mother too
They have blessed me; they have blessed me in the good graces of you
Now I have heard a hundred violins crying
And I, I have seen a hundred white doves flying
But nothing is as beautiful as when she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes in me
In me
How good it must feel to be so young, young and free
And a song that pleases a queen will always please me
Now I, I have heard the wisest of wisdom
And I, I have dined in palaces and kingdoms
But nothing is as beautiful as when she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes in
Oh in me yeah, oh no no no no
Now all, all of life is just passing the time
Until once again your eyes look into mine
Now I, I have been adored by a stranger
And I, I have heard the whispering angels
But nothing is as beautiful as when she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes in me
They have blessed me; they have blessed me in the good graces of you
Now I have heard a hundred violins crying
And I, I have seen a hundred white doves flying
But nothing is as beautiful as when she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes in me
In me
How good it must feel to be so young, young and free
And a song that pleases a queen will always please me
Now I, I have heard the wisest of wisdom
And I, I have dined in palaces and kingdoms
But nothing is as beautiful as when she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes in
Oh in me yeah, oh no no no no
Now all, all of life is just passing the time
Until once again your eyes look into mine
Now I, I have been adored by a stranger
And I, I have heard the whispering angels
But nothing is as beautiful as when she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes
When she believes in me
Lyrics submitted by millertheoly
When She Believes Lyrics as written by Ben Harper
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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@[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.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
i love the violins. mmm soo good
such a great song! hard to believe that only two people have made comments! go us!
this songs so cute.. why havent more people commented?! ben is saying that hes been with many different girls and many different relationships but the best one is w/ this certain girl and when "she believes" in him
This is him saying that nothing touches him as much as having the total confidence of his significant other.
This is him saying that nothing touches him as much as having the total confidence of his significant other.
this song is so amazing. i can't put it into words. its just perfect.
"Now, all of life Is just passing the time Until once again Your eyes look into mine" How often have we felt this for our lost loves, when meaning is taken from us in her absence. Captured so perfectly, the song reveals regret in its tone. He is missing the one who believes in him.
SMA-SHING!
One of my favourite Ben Harper Songs. He says that even the best of places he has been and things he has done dont compare to how she believes in him. Goes to show us 'The best things in life..... are things!' Do you remember where you read that last...:)
one thing about Ben's lyrics...sweet and poignant but not incredibly difficult to decipher...that is why so few posts...Nothing is better than his lovers love when she believes in him, he is above any earthly experience