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'm in the big blind
With an average stack and an aggressive image
The four seat limps right after me never a good sign
He's been beating up the table showing down strong cards all night
The maniac in the nine throws in another raise he loves to raise
Confusing foolishness for courage and swinging on a vine
I peek at my cards (3 Diamonds, 2 Diamonds)
And decide that I'm gonna defend the four seat does the same
And we all buckle in for our favorite ride
(flop: J Clubs, 2 Spades, 8 Hearts)
I'm the first to act and bet the pot hoping to win it right then and there
But the 4 seat calls and the maniac folds
And I'm out of position with a lowly pair of two's
The dealer burns and turns
It is in this half second where life becomes perfect
The mind a weapon
Tommorow's worries and yesterdays mistakes they crumble and fall away
For now I'm on the wire
(turn: 3 Hearts)
I check, the four bets
The strap snaps shut as I push my whole stack into the middle
He shakes his head to let me know
He doesn't have those dreaded pocket 8s
And sighs, "I have to call"
(Seat four shows: K Hearts, J Hearts)
The river comes taht sexy, sexy Ace of spades
And all is well in the world
Now you wanna take a good man down?
Send him back to his wallet to steam off another 500?
Well you just wink and show him threes up
With an average stack and an aggressive image
The four seat limps right after me never a good sign
He's been beating up the table showing down strong cards all night
The maniac in the nine throws in another raise he loves to raise
Confusing foolishness for courage and swinging on a vine
I peek at my cards (3 Diamonds, 2 Diamonds)
And decide that I'm gonna defend the four seat does the same
And we all buckle in for our favorite ride
(flop: J Clubs, 2 Spades, 8 Hearts)
I'm the first to act and bet the pot hoping to win it right then and there
But the 4 seat calls and the maniac folds
And I'm out of position with a lowly pair of two's
The dealer burns and turns
It is in this half second where life becomes perfect
The mind a weapon
Tommorow's worries and yesterdays mistakes they crumble and fall away
For now I'm on the wire
(turn: 3 Hearts)
I check, the four bets
The strap snaps shut as I push my whole stack into the middle
He shakes his head to let me know
He doesn't have those dreaded pocket 8s
And sighs, "I have to call"
(Seat four shows: K Hearts, J Hearts)
The river comes taht sexy, sexy Ace of spades
And all is well in the world
Now you wanna take a good man down?
Send him back to his wallet to steam off another 500?
Well you just wink and show him threes up
Lyrics submitted by Feegore
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Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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