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 know that you're an artist
But you're the hardest one to deal with
Everything that you conceal
Is revealed on your canvas
You find all of your ugly meanings
In all of the things I find beautiful
Do you see the fall is coming
Come, I'm falling into you
You perceive all of these things
I'd never have known
Love, will you turn off the lights
We're already home
You painted me in pastel
Colors that don't tell of any boldness
That's the way you love to see me
So delicate, so weak, so little purpose
But your eyes are drawn of charcoal
They're black, they're so cold, they're so imperfect
Because they see a sleeping world
Where waking isn't worth it
You perceive all of these things
I'd never have known
Love, will you turn off the lights
We're already home
But you're the hardest one to deal with
Everything that you conceal
Is revealed on your canvas
You find all of your ugly meanings
In all of the things I find beautiful
Do you see the fall is coming
Come, I'm falling into you
You perceive all of these things
I'd never have known
Love, will you turn off the lights
We're already home
You painted me in pastel
Colors that don't tell of any boldness
That's the way you love to see me
So delicate, so weak, so little purpose
But your eyes are drawn of charcoal
They're black, they're so cold, they're so imperfect
Because they see a sleeping world
Where waking isn't worth it
You perceive all of these things
I'd never have known
Love, will you turn off the lights
We're already home
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Great version of a great song,
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i love this song.. my favourite from a fanatastic band.. well my interpretation of it is...
that a girl trying to get her lover to express his emotions. But it's not that he can't he just expresses them through paintings "everything that you conceieve, well it's revealed on your canvas,"
"you find all of your ugly meanings, in the things I found beautiful," suggests that he has a very cynical nature.. that criticises everything.
"You painted me in pastels, colors that don't tell of any boldness, cause that's the way you love to see me, so delicate, so weak, so little purpose." he finds her weak and naive for believing in good.
"But your eye's are drawn of charcoal, they're black, they're so cold, they're so imperfect, cause they see a sleeping world where waking isn't worth it..." He only sees the world through a negative light and doesn't want top be part of it.
"You perceive all of these things i never have known, love, will you turn out the lights, cause we're already home..."
"Can you live without your lies? I've had enough of you tonight." she's sick of his negativity and just wants a break
..... sweat,.... yes well that was my interpreatation =\