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.
Can you hear me?
I am screaming. I am screaming
Can you hear me?
Blood is dripping. Nails are piercing
Thorns are ripping. Ripping through
I read the tragedy
It comes to me
In bloody… Broken dreams
You always loved me
Never knew these
Ironies of living free
I live for you
You died for me
Can you hear me when I’m screaming?
I can hear your voice. It’s weeping
You cried out, when I was needing
I was nothing, you comfort me
Now I see that you are here for me to lean on
Though I know what hate can do
We shed tears of ashes for you
Death only began the truth
You cry for me
And died for me
I try so hard to be like you
I won’t be afraid to stand alone now
Oh no. Can’t you see? What it means to me, for me, to me.
Take my hand. So I’ll stand. Set me free. You will see.
What it means, to live and be able to breath.
(This blood on my dirty sleeve
Is drying and can’t be washed from me)
I never thought that you could abandon me. I will fight the day that you mentioned that you have to die for me. To say that you could never run away from saving me. From what I’ve made you do for me now.
I’ll fight for you. I’d die for you. My life for you. Now it’s time.
I won’t forget your name. No more am I afraid… NO.
I am screaming. I am screaming
Can you hear me?
Blood is dripping. Nails are piercing
Thorns are ripping. Ripping through
I read the tragedy
It comes to me
In bloody… Broken dreams
You always loved me
Never knew these
Ironies of living free
I live for you
You died for me
Can you hear me when I’m screaming?
I can hear your voice. It’s weeping
You cried out, when I was needing
I was nothing, you comfort me
Now I see that you are here for me to lean on
Though I know what hate can do
We shed tears of ashes for you
Death only began the truth
You cry for me
And died for me
I try so hard to be like you
I won’t be afraid to stand alone now
Oh no. Can’t you see? What it means to me, for me, to me.
Take my hand. So I’ll stand. Set me free. You will see.
What it means, to live and be able to breath.
(This blood on my dirty sleeve
Is drying and can’t be washed from me)
I never thought that you could abandon me. I will fight the day that you mentioned that you have to die for me. To say that you could never run away from saving me. From what I’ve made you do for me now.
I’ll fight for you. I’d die for you. My life for you. Now it’s time.
I won’t forget your name. No more am I afraid… NO.
Lyrics submitted by belleautumn
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Great version of a great song,
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Plastic Bag
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This song is about Christ and how He will not abandon you and will stay with you through all your troubles. Christ turns away no one; he spoke the parable of the prodigal son for a good reason. We are saved because He is good and loving, not because we deserve it; we never will deserve it. Happiness is only found in Christ. It's not about perfection or performance. He accepts you because of Christs' work alone. You have nothing to offer, nor do I. Trust in Him and you'll be saved, don't be disheartened. Look to Christ in those times.