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.
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances
Respect love of the heart over lust of the flesh
Do yourself a favor: become your own savior
And don't let the sun go down on your grievances
And when you wake up in the morning
You'll have a brand new feeling
And you'll find yourself healing
So don't let the sun go down on your grievances
And yet if you find yourself in the dark
And you're left holding the bag
Then take care of it right away
And don't let the sun go down on your grievances again
Sometimes you might want to give up
But keep that chin up
Cause you're gonna find
You're gonna find
Sometimes you might be alone
But don't feel lonely
Cause you're gonna find
You're gonna find
And
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances
Start each day with a clean slate
You'll feel better if you can shake off all that hate
And don't forget to forgive and forget
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances everybody!
Respect love of the heart over lust of the flesh
Sing it!
Do yourself a favor: become your own savior
And don't let the sun go down on your grievances
Respect love of the heart over lust of the flesh
Do yourself a favor: become your own savior
And don't let the sun go down on your grievances
And when you wake up in the morning
You'll have a brand new feeling
And you'll find yourself healing
So don't let the sun go down on your grievances
And yet if you find yourself in the dark
And you're left holding the bag
Then take care of it right away
And don't let the sun go down on your grievances again
Sometimes you might want to give up
But keep that chin up
Cause you're gonna find
You're gonna find
Sometimes you might be alone
But don't feel lonely
Cause you're gonna find
You're gonna find
And
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances
Start each day with a clean slate
You'll feel better if you can shake off all that hate
And don't forget to forgive and forget
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances
Don't let the sun go down on your grievances everybody!
Respect love of the heart over lust of the flesh
Sing it!
Do yourself a favor: become your own savior
And don't let the sun go down on your grievances
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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.
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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This song saved my life. Daniel Johnston is my hero.
I love the line "Respect love of the heart over lust of the flesh." People just need to think about that.
makes me find the good in myself
This song asks a person to be honest with him or her self. It tells of the healing that can occure if you don't confine or shut in harmful emotions that interfere with your general happiness. Many don't realize the extent to which certain emotions become suffocating if left unmoderated.
This song is a Jewl for its candidness and the shear necessity of the message..."Do your self a favor, and become your own Savior". Luv it!
Why did Daniel choose to sing 'grieviance'? I think if he had sung 'grievances' the song would not have been so good, but I'm not sure why. Maybe it's something to do with him making the song more personal with his neologism...?
Why did Daniel choose to sing 'grieviance'? I think if he had sung 'grievances' the song would not have been so good, but I'm not sure why. Maybe it's something to do with him making the song more personal with his neologism...?