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 you know baby I'm a leading man
I dig down deep when I say I love you
Well I can hold my own with the best of them
I guarantee you, you never seen nothin'
Nothin' like this again
California say that you love me
From all the darkness I
Couldn't break through
Now, I miss the oceans when I go to sleep
Oh man, it's gonna break your heart
Don't you know that I'll do
The things I could
I rubbed your back when you were sleeping
But all along baby it was understood
That you were leaving, absolutely
The very first day we met
California say that you love me
From all the darkness I
Couldn't break through i'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you i'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss ya i'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss ya i'm gonna miss you
I dig down deep when I say I love you
Well I can hold my own with the best of them
I guarantee you, you never seen nothin'
Nothin' like this again
California say that you love me
From all the darkness I
Couldn't break through
Now, I miss the oceans when I go to sleep
Oh man, it's gonna break your heart
Don't you know that I'll do
The things I could
I rubbed your back when you were sleeping
But all along baby it was understood
That you were leaving, absolutely
The very first day we met
California say that you love me
From all the darkness I
Couldn't break through i'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you i'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss ya i'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss ya i'm gonna miss you
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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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meeeee tooooooo!