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.
Which the way, the way we are going?
Which the way will save us all?
For I have been here for so long
For I have seen all I can see,
All I can see, all I can see.
I see further to a day, to a day never to come.
With eyes in the back of my head
I see all around me.
I didn't know him for I didn't see.
To live once again, to live in dreams,
To live once again, to live once again.
The walls of Jericho.
The walls of Jericho.
To walk on water, speak with fire,
To live once again, to live once again,
To live once again.
I watched a man, a man he died
Nailed to a cross, nailed to a cross,
Nailed to a cross.
He believes he can see the walls of Jericho.
Which the way, the way we are going?
Which the way will save us all?
For I have been here for so long
For I have seen all I can see,
All I can see, all I can see.
He believes he can see the walls of Jericho,
The walls of Jericho.
Which the way will save us all?
For I have been here for so long
For I have seen all I can see,
All I can see, all I can see.
I see further to a day, to a day never to come.
With eyes in the back of my head
I see all around me.
I didn't know him for I didn't see.
To live once again, to live in dreams,
To live once again, to live once again.
The walls of Jericho.
The walls of Jericho.
To walk on water, speak with fire,
To live once again, to live once again,
To live once again.
I watched a man, a man he died
Nailed to a cross, nailed to a cross,
Nailed to a cross.
He believes he can see the walls of Jericho.
Which the way, the way we are going?
Which the way will save us all?
For I have been here for so long
For I have seen all I can see,
All I can see, all I can see.
He believes he can see the walls of Jericho,
The walls of Jericho.
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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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