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.
Can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
I´m standing, standing in the red, red rain
In the morning, standing in the red, red rain
Can´t you hear me? can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
In the morning, when I´m standing in the red, red rain, girl
In the morning, I´m standing in the red, red rain
Can´t you hear me? can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
In the morning, when I´m standing in the red, red rain, girl
You think not telling is the same as not lying, don´t you?
Then I guess not feeling is the same as not crying to you
You think not telling is the same as not lying, don´t you?
Then I guess not feeling is the same as not crying to you
In the red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
If there is a lie, then there is a liar, too
And if there is a sin, then there is a sinner, too
And if there is a lie, then there is a liar, too
And if there is a sin, then there is a sinner, too
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
I´m in red, I´m in red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
I´m in red, I´m in red, in the rain, in the rain
I´m in red, I´m in red, in the rain, in the rain
Can´t you hear me? can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
I´m standing, standing in the red, red rain
In the morning, standing in the red, red rain
Can´t you hear me? can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
In the morning, when I´m standing in the red, red rain, girl
In the morning, I´m standing in the red, red rain
Can´t you hear me? can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
In the morning, when I´m standing in the red, red rain, girl
You think not telling is the same as not lying, don´t you?
Then I guess not feeling is the same as not crying to you
You think not telling is the same as not lying, don´t you?
Then I guess not feeling is the same as not crying to you
In the red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
If there is a lie, then there is a liar, too
And if there is a sin, then there is a sinner, too
And if there is a lie, then there is a liar, too
And if there is a sin, then there is a sinner, too
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
I´m in red, I´m in red, in the rain, in the rain
In the red, in the red, in the rain, in the rain
I´m in red, I´m in red, in the rain, in the rain
I´m in red, I´m in red, in the rain, in the rain
Can´t you hear me? can´t you hear me calling your name, girl?
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
maybe its about a guy who is driven crazy by the death of a girl he loved. and he goes to her grave in the morning while it's raining, screaming her name into the ground. The whole tune of the song is out of loop,which makes it sound like its from a deeply troubled person because of the dark overtones and the generally light sounds. the bells also add to the insanity. The red rain is either cutting himself or it symbolizes the sadness he fells, making it so painful that when he cries, it feels like a wound bleeding.
@WhitenRed Bleedin' right before the Lord? And all the words are gonna bleed from me....