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'm wishing the bath water clean
She hides in the back and is unseen
I take off the mask that surrounds me
Look me in the face, what do you see?
I feel like a boy of age thirteen
My body grows up, but my mind stays the same
Look em in the face, what do you see?
How do you tell an angel
That you don't believe in God
Why do I feel like such a stranger?
I look around and all my friends are gone
Would you be me?
Cause I would be you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
Would you trade me?
Cause I would trade you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
How do you tell your father
That you want him to notice you
Why does it seem like such a bother?
When Mom says â??He'd be better off deadâ??
But I want to see you
I still want to see you
Would you call me?
It's not hard to
I'm the first one, you gave birth to
Would you write me
On my birthday?
Graduation was yesterday
How do you hold the special victim?
When they push you away
When they've been
Raped on the inside
Torn on the outside
Feel dirt and ugly
From the strain that they try to hide
Touched in private places
Embarrassed faces
Too scared to ask for helpâ?¦why?
Would you be me?
Cause I would be you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
Would you trade me?
Cause I would trade you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
I'm wishing the bath water clean
She hides in the back and is unseen
I take off the mask that surrounds me
Look me in the face, what do you see?
She hides in the back and is unseen
I take off the mask that surrounds me
Look me in the face, what do you see?
I feel like a boy of age thirteen
My body grows up, but my mind stays the same
Look em in the face, what do you see?
How do you tell an angel
That you don't believe in God
Why do I feel like such a stranger?
I look around and all my friends are gone
Would you be me?
Cause I would be you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
Would you trade me?
Cause I would trade you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
How do you tell your father
That you want him to notice you
Why does it seem like such a bother?
When Mom says â??He'd be better off deadâ??
But I want to see you
I still want to see you
Would you call me?
It's not hard to
I'm the first one, you gave birth to
Would you write me
On my birthday?
Graduation was yesterday
How do you hold the special victim?
When they push you away
When they've been
Raped on the inside
Torn on the outside
Feel dirt and ugly
From the strain that they try to hide
Touched in private places
Embarrassed faces
Too scared to ask for helpâ?¦why?
Would you be me?
Cause I would be you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
Would you trade me?
Cause I would trade you
You'd be happy if you wanted to
I'm wishing the bath water clean
She hides in the back and is unseen
I take off the mask that surrounds me
Look me in the face, what do you see?
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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Ebba Grön
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Hayalperest
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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.
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DISCLAIMER I have just obtained a copy of Justin Furstenfeld's book Crazy Making. It's not very detailed, but it contains all the lyrics to all current (The Answers - Approaching Normal) Blue October songs, and his inspiration behind them. As I said, it's not very detailed, but it's his words on every Blue October song that is in the book. I know everyone interprets a song differently from everyone else, but having the original intent behind the song will be helpful to people who don't fully understand a song. Also, any grammatical errors are not made by me, I'm putting down Justin's words exactly how he writes them. So yea... enjoy :)
Angel: "Religion, Divorce, Abuse. 3 sure ways to kill innocence"