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.
on the last day of his life
jimi hendrix woke up
and made his way down the hall
he adjusted the knobs in the shower
till the water came out
just the way he liked it
it was hot but not too hot
it was hot
but not too hot
on the last afternoon of his life
jimi hendrix went to the kitchen
and he got himself a glass of water
he put four ice cubes into the glass
there is nothing like cold water
there is nothing
jimi hendrix woke up
and made his way down the hall
he adjusted the knobs in the shower
till the water came out
just the way he liked it
it was hot but not too hot
it was hot
but not too hot
on the last afternoon of his life
jimi hendrix went to the kitchen
and he got himself a glass of water
he put four ice cubes into the glass
there is nothing like cold water
there is nothing
Lyrics submitted by fuckedupdog
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i dont understand why noone else has commented on this yet.
some of darnielles most beautifully fragile lyrics.
this is beautiful. dunno why they mention jimi hendrix or why its about him, but i like it.
I love this song. I think he uses Jimi Hendrix, as opposed to a random name, is to show that despite the specularity of their life's accomplishments, they lived and died just like everyone else. It describes the mundane and bland things of life, but in the context of a rock idol and legend. Quite haunting when you hear it.
I agree with zriegle on this one. The death of Hendrix was one of the most monumental days in music. However, as a day it was probably unremarkable. He probably began it the way he began any other day.