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.
And we go, where the words are found.
All the sayings, that we care about.
And I run, when you say,
That your word is the only honest way.
I can't wake,
Can't wake up.
I can't sleep,
Can't sleep.
Wake up,
Wake up,
Wake up.
So quickly dated.
You play the saint, I'll imitate it.
All that we hope for, so bow down.
The shot is your priest.
Why wait, I feel like god inside your embrace.
I'd be the gun as you are shot, shot, shot in the back.
I see the sun in splinters.
Why wait.
All the times,
All the ways,
And it cuts you from the start.
All the scars,
All the stains,
And it cuts into your side.
I've been down,
I've been saved,
And it hurts me everyday.
I bend down,
I'm a slave.
I can't wake,
Can't wake up.
I can't sleep.
Can't sleep.
Wake up,
Wake up,
Wake up.
I can't delay it.
We all go out medicated.
Can't change a timeline, so bow down.
The shot is release.
Why wait, I feel like god inside your embrace.
I'd be the gun as you are shot, shot, shot in the back.
I see the sun in splinters.
Why wait.
Shot, shot, shot in the back.
I see the sun in splinters.
Shot, shot, shot in the back.
I'd be the gun as you are shot, shot, shot in the back.
I feel like god inside your â?¦
Shot, shot, shot in the back.
All the sayings, that we care about.
And I run, when you say,
That your word is the only honest way.
I can't wake,
Can't wake up.
I can't sleep,
Can't sleep.
Wake up,
Wake up,
Wake up.
So quickly dated.
You play the saint, I'll imitate it.
All that we hope for, so bow down.
The shot is your priest.
Why wait, I feel like god inside your embrace.
I'd be the gun as you are shot, shot, shot in the back.
I see the sun in splinters.
Why wait.
All the times,
All the ways,
And it cuts you from the start.
All the scars,
All the stains,
And it cuts into your side.
I've been down,
I've been saved,
And it hurts me everyday.
I bend down,
I'm a slave.
I can't wake,
Can't wake up.
I can't sleep.
Can't sleep.
Wake up,
Wake up,
Wake up.
I can't delay it.
We all go out medicated.
Can't change a timeline, so bow down.
The shot is release.
Why wait, I feel like god inside your embrace.
I'd be the gun as you are shot, shot, shot in the back.
I see the sun in splinters.
Why wait.
Shot, shot, shot in the back.
I see the sun in splinters.
Shot, shot, shot in the back.
I'd be the gun as you are shot, shot, shot in the back.
I feel like god inside your â?¦
Shot, shot, shot in the back.
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
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
This is a really really great song. I think it's about religon and how people fall into some of it's lies and how some people use their religon to justify some of the things they do.