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.
im wasted as my time
spent sitting idly by
drinking in this shithole
while you all went out outside
its a great day to fall asleep
its a kick-ass day to dream
that im still capable
of saying what I mean
the times are changing
but we all stayed the same
we faded and faded
now nothing remains
as we breathe our last breaths
and kiss our goodbyes
remember us buried alive
im wasted as
these city blocks
these blockbusters
and parking lots
as faded as
this parking space
sealed up
to see what rots
the times are changing
but we all stayed the same
we faded and faded
now nothing remains
hold on
this ship is sinking and
i dont know what to do
if we die in fire and water
then i want to be with you
oh captain my captain
i fought hard
til everything was lost
no fortune did i seek
remember, remember, remember
us buried in the deep
spent sitting idly by
drinking in this shithole
while you all went out outside
its a great day to fall asleep
its a kick-ass day to dream
that im still capable
of saying what I mean
the times are changing
but we all stayed the same
we faded and faded
now nothing remains
as we breathe our last breaths
and kiss our goodbyes
remember us buried alive
im wasted as
these city blocks
these blockbusters
and parking lots
as faded as
this parking space
sealed up
to see what rots
the times are changing
but we all stayed the same
we faded and faded
now nothing remains
hold on
this ship is sinking and
i dont know what to do
if we die in fire and water
then i want to be with you
oh captain my captain
i fought hard
til everything was lost
no fortune did i seek
remember, remember, remember
us buried in the deep
Lyrics submitted by 1832
Necrotism: Decanting the Insalubrious (Cyborg Midnight) Part 7 song meanings
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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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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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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.
oh captain my captain is a book