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.
Tell me does your pride bleed
When you see me succeed
Is that the gist of your story
Now you had best get used to it
Cause I ain't about to quit
And I'm just now getting started
Shame me, claim me or decieve me
You grow sick every time you hear me say believe me
Every time I get one foot up
You want to tear it down
You deny me... deceiver
Every time I get one foot up
You tear it down, knock it down, tear it down
Believer... deny me
I feel your hand on my throat
As well as the knife in my back
And the whole time you keep smiling
What is your reason for this
Why won't your hate just quit
Life would be better if you weren't struggling
(Believer)
What's wrong with your world
Doesn't taste the same as mine
Aren't the shades the same as mine
Pain, agony, regret, fear
Just dreams whisked away, taken away
So now does your pride still bleed
Every time that I succeed
Now that you know that I'll keep trying
Can your weak mind digest
All that I'm feeding it
When you see me succeed
Is that the gist of your story
Now you had best get used to it
Cause I ain't about to quit
And I'm just now getting started
Shame me, claim me or decieve me
You grow sick every time you hear me say believe me
Every time I get one foot up
You want to tear it down
You deny me... deceiver
Every time I get one foot up
You tear it down, knock it down, tear it down
Believer... deny me
I feel your hand on my throat
As well as the knife in my back
And the whole time you keep smiling
What is your reason for this
Why won't your hate just quit
Life would be better if you weren't struggling
(Believer)
What's wrong with your world
Doesn't taste the same as mine
Aren't the shades the same as mine
Pain, agony, regret, fear
Just dreams whisked away, taken away
So now does your pride still bleed
Every time that I succeed
Now that you know that I'll keep trying
Can your weak mind digest
All that I'm feeding it
Lyrics submitted by jc6md
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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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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.
love this song