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.
When all your good intentions just leave you feeling old
And your latest inventions have all left you feeling cold
Well its then the chips it says, “Then come over man have no fear”
She says, “Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here”
So all your grand ambitions they’re doing what they’re told
Down at the bottom of the river where the old wife fingers go
They say the women dug this river
They filled it with their tears
And Daddy died last year
Well I wish he were here
So if you want to see me I’m at the bottom of the stair
It’s the place where no one looks for me it’s the place where no one dares
And if you think the times have been changing it’s anywhere but here
See, Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
So the Congressmen and the concubines are all happy in their cage
And women who surround them are all cute and under-age
At least we’ll be remembered screaming, “Revolution’s near!”
And daddy died last year
Well I wish he were here
So the lawyers completed me with papa’s old harpoon
Hold it in a glove made of his barren woman’s womb
She says she wants my bones to decorate his tomb
See, Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
Oh, Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
And your latest inventions have all left you feeling cold
Well its then the chips it says, “Then come over man have no fear”
She says, “Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here”
So all your grand ambitions they’re doing what they’re told
Down at the bottom of the river where the old wife fingers go
They say the women dug this river
They filled it with their tears
And Daddy died last year
Well I wish he were here
So if you want to see me I’m at the bottom of the stair
It’s the place where no one looks for me it’s the place where no one dares
And if you think the times have been changing it’s anywhere but here
See, Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
So the Congressmen and the concubines are all happy in their cage
And women who surround them are all cute and under-age
At least we’ll be remembered screaming, “Revolution’s near!”
And daddy died last year
Well I wish he were here
So the lawyers completed me with papa’s old harpoon
Hold it in a glove made of his barren woman’s womb
She says she wants my bones to decorate his tomb
See, Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
Oh, Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
Daddy died last year
And I wish he were here
Lyrics submitted by CrazyFool
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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I really like this song. Anyone have any keys to the meaning?
I heard that it has to do with Bob Dylan
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