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 have seen peace. I have seen pain,
Resting on the shoulders of your name.
Do you see the truth through all their lies?
Do you see the world through troubled eyes?
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
I have seen birth. I have seen death.
Lived to see a lover's final breath.
Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright?
Is the fire of hesitation burning bright?
And if you want to talk about it once again,
On you I depend. I'll cry on your shoulder.
You're a friend.
You and I have been through many things.
I'll hold on to your heart.
I wouldn't cry for anything,
But don't go tearing your life apart.
I have seen fear. I have seen faith.
Seen the look of anger on your face.
And if you want to talk about what will be,
Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
Resting on the shoulders of your name.
Do you see the truth through all their lies?
Do you see the world through troubled eyes?
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
I have seen birth. I have seen death.
Lived to see a lover's final breath.
Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright?
Is the fire of hesitation burning bright?
And if you want to talk about it once again,
On you I depend. I'll cry on your shoulder.
You're a friend.
You and I have been through many things.
I'll hold on to your heart.
I wouldn't cry for anything,
But don't go tearing your life apart.
I have seen fear. I have seen faith.
Seen the look of anger on your face.
And if you want to talk about what will be,
Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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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to me, its about someone whos experienced a lot in their life and they arent quite sure about how they're sposed to feel about it and he just wants to help that person.
"Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend".......
To me the meaning of this song is needing someone to talk to, and I`ll always be there to support someone you love through any troubles they have.
(All we need is a soul mate and I think I`ve found one xxx )
One of my favourite songs ever written and touches my heart everytime I hear it.
DEFINATELY one of my favorites.. the best line in the song is wen he says "And if you want to talk about it anymore, Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend." his voice is so unique and passionate...
This song makes ME cry, because it reminds me that i have nobody whose shoulder i could cry on. iv just recently given up the only person who ever meant anything to me.
butt still, james blunt ROCKS! hes a brilliant writer and artist, and i cant wait for his next album!
This song reminds me of when u care for someone a lot and theres other people doing stuff to hurt them. It's like saying to them I'm here for you, you can tell me its alright. Its just what the song means to me. I luv this song though. The album is amazing!
I agree with that! I think you're right it's about when someone you really care about are hurt and it's just about putting your arm around them and saying "Look you're my best mate, we've gone through every emotion possible together and I'm here for you!"
cries why can't every guy be like james..
Knowing James Blunt used to be a army officer, I can see that influence in nearly all his songs. "I have seen death. Lived to see a lover's final breath. Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright?" To me, those lyrics refer to James questioning his life in the army.
In my opinion, the person the song is being sung too is either a friend/lover left behind as he deploys abroad. And this lover/friend is questioning why he is going, and what he will be fighting for.
I think that that "Lived to see a lover's final breath." could relate to the song Goodbye my lover, who might be about someone he loved who died giving birth.
this song reminds me of a very close friend that you can tell anything too...even cry on there shoulder..."Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend."
It's "Should I flee or fight", not feel fright :)
The rawness of the song and the breathlessness of it (made 2 words up there, I think) are absolutely touching.