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.
Death to distraction
Reverse the resurrection
Today we say what is not said or read
And I'll bring to life what is now dead
No, this is not a message to me or you
But rather a call to arms
We arm with the truth
We are at war but what is it for?
They say on the screen "democracy's dream"
But why don't they trace the blood back to the green?
We are at war and that's what we die for.
Death to distraction.
Reverse the resurrection.
Today we say what is not said or read
And I'll bring to life what is now dead
No, he did not have support to declare war
And there is no help so we must send more
Why must it be?
It profits not me
The shepard lets sheep die in their sleep
And then feeds on the land of those who won't reap
To satisfy greed "be all that you can be!"
Death to distraction
Reverse the resurrection
This whole production was a lie, we'd buy,
But what's not staged is that we'd die to try
And save what he's tapping
Blood for oil
Now that you're listening...
These are some hard times
But we had them coming
We were the ones who went out and voted him in
He called a mandate and our hopes were choking
But just take deep breaths and remember we're oxygen
Turn off your T.V. screens
Put your ears to the street
They are laughing
But how long will that be?
Turn off your T.V. screens
Put your ears to the street
They are laughing
But how long will that be?
Decide.
Reverse the resurrection
Today we say what is not said or read
And I'll bring to life what is now dead
No, this is not a message to me or you
But rather a call to arms
We arm with the truth
We are at war but what is it for?
They say on the screen "democracy's dream"
But why don't they trace the blood back to the green?
We are at war and that's what we die for.
Death to distraction.
Reverse the resurrection.
Today we say what is not said or read
And I'll bring to life what is now dead
No, he did not have support to declare war
And there is no help so we must send more
Why must it be?
It profits not me
The shepard lets sheep die in their sleep
And then feeds on the land of those who won't reap
To satisfy greed "be all that you can be!"
Death to distraction
Reverse the resurrection
This whole production was a lie, we'd buy,
But what's not staged is that we'd die to try
And save what he's tapping
Blood for oil
Now that you're listening...
These are some hard times
But we had them coming
We were the ones who went out and voted him in
He called a mandate and our hopes were choking
But just take deep breaths and remember we're oxygen
Turn off your T.V. screens
Put your ears to the street
They are laughing
But how long will that be?
Turn off your T.V. screens
Put your ears to the street
They are laughing
But how long will that be?
Decide.
Lyrics submitted by loch ness lindz
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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”
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“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.
just take deep breathes remember we're oxygen ahhhh
amazing