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 resisted coming here, to open the harbors that guard my heart (Jeremiah 23:24).
Abide with me, fast falls the even tide.
This darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.
And what does not flow freely from You?
Am I convicted of what I say?
Forgive me of this pride that knows Your redemption yet shamelessly walks away.
And now my life ebbs away.
Night pierces my bones, and these gnawing pains never rest.
And how I long for that day (when I will return to ashes and dust)(Job 30:17-19).
If my steps turn from the path, or if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others reap what I have sown (Job 31:7-8).
Better that I dwell in the house of the Lord who upholds all those who fall than reap this harvest of a life waged in the flesh.
And what do I gain but the exchange of the truth for a lie?
And a heart conditioned not to feel, callused by the nature of my pride?
And now my life ebbs away.
Abide with me, fast falls the even tide.
This darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.
And what does not flow freely from You?
Am I convicted of what I say?
Forgive me of this pride that knows Your redemption yet shamelessly walks away.
And now my life ebbs away.
Night pierces my bones, and these gnawing pains never rest.
And how I long for that day (when I will return to ashes and dust)(Job 30:17-19).
If my steps turn from the path, or if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others reap what I have sown (Job 31:7-8).
Better that I dwell in the house of the Lord who upholds all those who fall than reap this harvest of a life waged in the flesh.
And what do I gain but the exchange of the truth for a lie?
And a heart conditioned not to feel, callused by the nature of my pride?
And now my life ebbs away.
Lyrics submitted by sendthestars
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
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
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 song is so beautiful... it will always be one of their best!