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.
Its made up of lonely moments
There was always a moment there when I knew
You always gave instalments
Always knew you concentrated and grew
And I believe in reinvention
Do you believe that life is holding the clue
Take away all the lonely moments
Give me full communication with you
Your smile shine a little light, alright
Don't hide, shine a little light
Give up on your pride
Do you believe in reinvention
Do you believe thar life is holding the clue
Any way to face the silence
Any way to face the pain that kills you
Your smile shine a little light, alright
Don't hide, shine a little light
Give up on your pride
Give up on your pride, the moment's gone
Give up on your smile, life is long
So I seen a bad dream, that you were gone
I got bitten on the soul, my blood will run
Give up on your pride, the moment's gone
Give up on your smile, life is long
So I seen I bad dream, you were gone
You're bitter and cold, my blood will run
There was always a moment there when I knew
You always gave instalments
Always knew you concentrated and grew
And I believe in reinvention
Do you believe that life is holding the clue
Take away all the lonely moments
Give me full communication with you
Your smile shine a little light, alright
Don't hide, shine a little light
Give up on your pride
Do you believe in reinvention
Do you believe thar life is holding the clue
Any way to face the silence
Any way to face the pain that kills you
Your smile shine a little light, alright
Don't hide, shine a little light
Give up on your pride
Give up on your pride, the moment's gone
Give up on your smile, life is long
So I seen a bad dream, that you were gone
I got bitten on the soul, my blood will run
Give up on your pride, the moment's gone
Give up on your smile, life is long
So I seen I bad dream, you were gone
You're bitter and cold, my blood will run
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Great version of a great song,
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Have you ever been in a long term relationship and it sort of turns into this competition of wills - like both of you have forgotten how to be vulnerable... how to be selfless? Well this is what I believe this song is referring to. Give up on your pride specifically means to me that someone's pride is getting in the way of their love - making them keep a wall up to the other person. There is a reason pride is considered one of the seven deadly sins. Not that I believe in hell or whatnot - but you can certainly lose your soul to something like pride.