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 wish that I could spread my arms so wide
That I could wrap them around everyone I've ever known and loved
Protect them from the crashing waves
The storms that will take us all one at a time
The unheard goodbyes that we are never ready to whisper
Turning once strong men into lost little boys
Standing well dressed staring into six-foot holes
Sick of this chill every time the phone rings too early or too late
The what-if silences that linger in between
Why can't I build a raft strong enough
To carry us through the clouds, the flames
Or any of that shit that I don't believe in
I would do anything not to have to squeeze another trembling body
Who was not ready to face life's end
Tired of sitting slumped in the corner trying not to come apart
As the lines stretch around the building
Why does only death show us how much we truly mean to each other
The beautiful things that we're not ready to lose or have yet to try
Knowledge does not come in books it comes in caskets
I don't wanna see how brave we can be anymore
I've seen the strength it takes to get past and move on
And would trade it all away to know how to keep you here forever
Maybe I've grown too old
Missed out on the glamour and the glory
Just can't see past the tears and the pain
Oh please don't bury me in the rain
That I could wrap them around everyone I've ever known and loved
Protect them from the crashing waves
The storms that will take us all one at a time
The unheard goodbyes that we are never ready to whisper
Turning once strong men into lost little boys
Standing well dressed staring into six-foot holes
Sick of this chill every time the phone rings too early or too late
The what-if silences that linger in between
Why can't I build a raft strong enough
To carry us through the clouds, the flames
Or any of that shit that I don't believe in
I would do anything not to have to squeeze another trembling body
Who was not ready to face life's end
Tired of sitting slumped in the corner trying not to come apart
As the lines stretch around the building
Why does only death show us how much we truly mean to each other
The beautiful things that we're not ready to lose or have yet to try
Knowledge does not come in books it comes in caskets
I don't wanna see how brave we can be anymore
I've seen the strength it takes to get past and move on
And would trade it all away to know how to keep you here forever
Maybe I've grown too old
Missed out on the glamour and the glory
Just can't see past the tears and the pain
Oh please don't bury me in the rain
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no one has commented on this? i love this song, the lyrics are so powerful bane is great