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.
Wait
It's coming to me
I'm starting to see
So very clearly
Why I'm never happy
Because California's lonely
California's lonely
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
I always feel sick
So hard to breathe in
My head is spinning
Or am I the only
The one that's always lonely
California's lonely
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
I'm so cold
In this heat
I'm so alone
In these crowded streets
Cause no way I'm the only
One that's always lonely
California's lonely
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
It's coming to me
I'm starting to see
So very clearly
Why I'm never happy
Because California's lonely
California's lonely
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
I always feel sick
So hard to breathe in
My head is spinning
Or am I the only
The one that's always lonely
California's lonely
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
I'm so cold
In this heat
I'm so alone
In these crowded streets
Cause no way I'm the only
One that's always lonely
California's lonely
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
California's lonely just like the rest of the world
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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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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Page
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this song is probably my favorite off ANXIETY.
It's basically saying we're the same as any other state. we still feel alone. we're still unhappy.
It's true. The entire world is lonely. You can be surronded by thousands of people, yet you still feel nothing, you are still numb and you feel all alone. Sometimes it actually feels great to be reminded of loneliness...but not all the time.
California...
I found this floating on the net that tells a little about this song from the one who wrote it: People have a pre-conceived image and stereotype about California," Sean Danielsen marvels. "That it's this magical land of blond beauties and palm trees, where everyone's happy and having a great time and there's no depression or issues ... but this place is just as shitty as anywhere else, it's just a different environment." great song, i really like the drum beat and bass lines, soothing..good inspiration
MorningLight: i'm so glad you found that. i always felt like i couldn't relate to this song. i wanted it to be about him referring to himself as "California" but the real meaning is just as good.
Or am I the only.. The one thats always lonely..
Should be 'Why am I the only.. One that's always lonely"
I mean "Rounded by the only one that's always lonely" or "Wound(past-tense 'wind') in by the only one that's always lonely"
Can't tell =/
listenin.org/interviews/archive/artists/Smile+Empty+Soul/default.aspx