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.
listen up lovely
and hear what the evening sees in you
lilacs and landmines
you count on your fingers
pitches you ought to be and soon
just let them call you
why do you think you're here?
trouble the backseat
worry the windshield with that face
what couldn't you have?
head of st. catherine
hearts that willl run to meet you
we only volunteers my ear
why do you think we're here?
is that why they call it clear?
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can't die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can't die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you
and hear what the evening sees in you
lilacs and landmines
you count on your fingers
pitches you ought to be and soon
just let them call you
why do you think you're here?
trouble the backseat
worry the windshield with that face
what couldn't you have?
head of st. catherine
hearts that willl run to meet you
we only volunteers my ear
why do you think we're here?
is that why they call it clear?
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can't die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can't die
if you decide
i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you
Lyrics submitted by miss_crispies
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Holiday
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
American Town
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I'm not entirely sure what this song means.
I see the subject of the song possibly as the singer's daughter. Perhaps he is instructing his daughter, he in the metaphorical evening of his life? He sees here a very lovely girl, lovely as lilacs, but also treacherous to tread upon.
Her father also believes in her saying "What couldn't you have?"
I take the second part of the first verse to say "the pictures you ought to be in soon" which to me demonstrates the girl's vanity. She is waiting on people to give her much.
The second verse is what makes me think the subject is a daughter because she sits in the back seat fogging up a window with her worries. She believes herself completely admirable and desirable, but will anyone see her so?
In the third section, I believe the head of St. Catherine references a Catholic saint who had a great education and a very high opinion of herself. She said she would only marry one who surpassed her in reputation, wealth, beauty and wisdom. I just learned of her, but she fits very nicely with this interpretation, especially because she is known as a martyr by beheading.
It seems that she, like St. Catherine is asking for devotees worthy of her. Perhaps seeing none troubles her.
Then comes the song's titular line : "Why do you think we're here? Is that why they Call it Clear?"
I'm baffled by this line. My initial instinct is that call it clear means "obvious", but perhaps it means free from obstacles. It could be double entendre meaning both that she believes her attractiveness, perhaps in many ways, to be obvious and for the father's part that he believes her path to be free of obstacles.
For later he repeats again and again that his loved one can or can't die (it sounds like both sometimes). He believes the way is open to her. She must only decide.
When he says "delicate slip of sunshine" I get the sense that the singer refers to a possibly transient state of self-love rather than an actual life.