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.
Waiting for the ambulance to come
Hoping that it doesn't come too late
Hearing the sirens in the distance
Hold on, help is on the way
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm right here beside her
Though I'll live somehow I've found
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm not a real survivor
Wishing that I was the one
That wasn't going to be here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
Oh, we can't trade places
Our lives our strangely all alone
Mr. Ambulance Driver
Tell me for everyone that dies
Someone new is born
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm not a real survivor
Because I'm wishing that I was the one
That wasn't going to be here anymore
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm not a real survivor
Because I'm wishing that I was the one
That wasn't going to be here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
(Waiting for the ambulance to come, who who whooo)
(Waiting for the ambulance to come, who who whooo)
Mr. Ambulance Driver
Hoping that it doesn't come too late
Hearing the sirens in the distance
Hold on, help is on the way
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm right here beside her
Though I'll live somehow I've found
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm not a real survivor
Wishing that I was the one
That wasn't going to be here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
Oh, we can't trade places
Our lives our strangely all alone
Mr. Ambulance Driver
Tell me for everyone that dies
Someone new is born
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm not a real survivor
Because I'm wishing that I was the one
That wasn't going to be here anymore
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm right here beside her
And though I'll live somehow I've found
Mr. Ambulance Driver
I'm not a real survivor
Because I'm wishing that I was the one
That wasn't going to be here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
The one that isn't here anymore
(Waiting for the ambulance to come, who who whooo)
(Waiting for the ambulance to come, who who whooo)
Mr. Ambulance Driver
Lyrics submitted by doGo13
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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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Hayalperest
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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.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
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“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
It is excellent and bodes well for the new album. Was this track featured on a soundtrack of a film recently or am I imagining things? Can anybody help me with what the film was?