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 hang your head low 'cause I can't see your face
In your reflection I see your beauty and grace
And when the light shines bright to show you your way do not be weary
Don't turn your head away
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Your soul is aching and it's dying to be heard
This might be painful but consider the worth
And when you feel like there's nobody on your side
They will embrace you with a radiant smile
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
So you want to give up and you can't find the strength
I believe that you will make it in the end
So you want to stare back and you want to retreat
I believe that there ain't nothing you can't be
Nothing you can't be
Don't feel so naked
I am the blanket of hope
Your words are life rafts and they keep us afloat
And when this long painful journey comes to an end
They will be touched by the message
The message you've sent
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
In your reflection I see your beauty and grace
And when the light shines bright to show you your way do not be weary
Don't turn your head away
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Your soul is aching and it's dying to be heard
This might be painful but consider the worth
And when you feel like there's nobody on your side
They will embrace you with a radiant smile
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
So you want to give up and you can't find the strength
I believe that you will make it in the end
So you want to stare back and you want to retreat
I believe that there ain't nothing you can't be
Nothing you can't be
Don't feel so naked
I am the blanket of hope
Your words are life rafts and they keep us afloat
And when this long painful journey comes to an end
They will be touched by the message
The message you've sent
So let the critics look upon you with a thousand eyes
And let their tongues do the judging and criticize
And you just sit here before us and reveal your light
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Go on
Go on my child
Lyrics submitted by gaylordmfocker
Go On My Child Lyrics as written by Michelle Featherstone
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think that this song is about giving someone the strength to make it through even when everyone else says they won't. Very beautiful song