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.
Like a postcard picture fading out to desert winter,
Once an ocean now it leaves me dry.
Clouds are separating. tear apart this life I'm living
I'm gravitated to this brand new light.
Is it in me? am I still in control?
Did it leave me? I look around for a soul.
What's come over me? always waiting for the next wave to wash over,
And fill me again
Will it carry me far enough from all I've suffered?
Will it bridge the gap from there to here?
I wonder if I had it all would I feel there's something missing?
In tomorrow's light it seems so clear
Is it in me? am I still in control?
Did it leave me? I look around for a soul.
What's come over me? always waiting for the next wave to wash over,
And fill me again
The wind is keeping me from falling forward.
Just another crutch to get me through.
The wave is coming and it's rising upward.
It's going to lift me to meet the blue.
Is it in me? am I still in control?
Did it leave me? I look around for a soul.
What's come over me? always waiting for the next wave to wash over,
And fill me again
Once an ocean now it leaves me dry.
Clouds are separating. tear apart this life I'm living
I'm gravitated to this brand new light.
Is it in me? am I still in control?
Did it leave me? I look around for a soul.
What's come over me? always waiting for the next wave to wash over,
And fill me again
Will it carry me far enough from all I've suffered?
Will it bridge the gap from there to here?
I wonder if I had it all would I feel there's something missing?
In tomorrow's light it seems so clear
Is it in me? am I still in control?
Did it leave me? I look around for a soul.
What's come over me? always waiting for the next wave to wash over,
And fill me again
The wind is keeping me from falling forward.
Just another crutch to get me through.
The wave is coming and it's rising upward.
It's going to lift me to meet the blue.
Is it in me? am I still in control?
Did it leave me? I look around for a soul.
What's come over me? always waiting for the next wave to wash over,
And fill me again
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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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The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
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Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Personally I can't believe no one has commented on such a brilliant song.
It could be about drug addiction (but aren't all songs in a way).
Like a postcard picture fading out to desert winter Once an ocean now it leaves me dry
It leaves him dry so he needs more but:
Tear apart this life I'm living I'm gravitated to this brand new light
This part shows that he knows it is breaking his life up into pieces and destroying him but he can't get enough of the trip
It also says the person looks around for a soul because the drugs have taken that away from him and that "Am I in control?". The person thinks the drugs have taken over him.
Just another crutch to get me through - this bit just shows his condition, how bad its getting that its taking his mobility, paralysing him possibly.
Fill me again (the title) could also mean that he needs his next hit (to in his mind, survive)
Will it carry me far enough from all I've suffered? Will it bridge the gap from there to here? I wonder if I had it all would I feel there's something missing? In tomorrow's light it seems so clear
Really explains it all. Its what the drug does for him.
Thats just what I think
I never particularly understood what they meant in this song, but I think I agree with you, sTk. Brilliant post.
it may be about drugs but it might jsut be about addiction in generally. being not bale to control your self to anything that becaomes addicitng.
Whatever it's about it's a great song.