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’d shake your hand
If I had one to extend but it was
Blown off in the war
The war that ended just a minute ago
When I came in the front door
When I left town
‘Bout a hundred years ago I didn’t
Think I’d lose my way
The kind of losing where you wonder at the end
If you even know your name
CHORUS
I remember the days
When we sang
Sang the tunes of the night
With the quiet wonder of
Being so near
I understood
That the nature of your smile was always
Etched within the frame
Of the way that you insisted that you be
And I thought it was a game
Now you’re gone
And I’m looking at the ground where you
Held us all aloft
And the burdens that you carried like a mule
On your back, tender and soft
BRIDGE
All the crazy caravans
The trails of dust and memories
Rising like the feathers of a bird
Spread the wings, the family
Of bleary eyes and hungry for
The promise which will save us in a Word
If I had one to extend but it was
Blown off in the war
The war that ended just a minute ago
When I came in the front door
When I left town
‘Bout a hundred years ago I didn’t
Think I’d lose my way
The kind of losing where you wonder at the end
If you even know your name
CHORUS
I remember the days
When we sang
Sang the tunes of the night
With the quiet wonder of
Being so near
I understood
That the nature of your smile was always
Etched within the frame
Of the way that you insisted that you be
And I thought it was a game
Now you’re gone
And I’m looking at the ground where you
Held us all aloft
And the burdens that you carried like a mule
On your back, tender and soft
BRIDGE
All the crazy caravans
The trails of dust and memories
Rising like the feathers of a bird
Spread the wings, the family
Of bleary eyes and hungry for
The promise which will save us in a Word
Lyrics submitted by ThreeMilesDown
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