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.
Life is simple if you've got faith, oh yeah
You don't have to choose
But I don't got numb today
Life was easy yester year oh yeah
I didn't have to move
But I never even got to know you
So baby carry on in charge
Because im a full grown lonely cat
In the world
Without you beating by myside
Out of the dark get your uncorrupted air
And into the light you, you need not prepare
Because I know you'll keep on travelling
Til you make your way back home
I'll try to take care of your home
Patch my life up with cellotape
It doesn't feel so safe
But all the same I don't have to choose
How sad baby is that
Yeah Im a full grown lonely cat
In the world
Without you beating by myside
And out of the dark get you uncorrupted air
And into the light you, you need not prepare
Because I know you'll keep on travelling
Till you find your way back home
I'll try to take care of your home
You don't have to choose
But I don't got numb today
Life was easy yester year oh yeah
I didn't have to move
But I never even got to know you
So baby carry on in charge
Because im a full grown lonely cat
In the world
Without you beating by myside
Out of the dark get your uncorrupted air
And into the light you, you need not prepare
Because I know you'll keep on travelling
Til you make your way back home
I'll try to take care of your home
Patch my life up with cellotape
It doesn't feel so safe
But all the same I don't have to choose
How sad baby is that
Yeah Im a full grown lonely cat
In the world
Without you beating by myside
And out of the dark get you uncorrupted air
And into the light you, you need not prepare
Because I know you'll keep on travelling
Till you find your way back home
I'll try to take care of your home
Lyrics submitted by dillygirl
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Amazing. I Adore This Song When It Speeds Up For The Chorus His voice is so gorgeous + Soothing + Tuneful But Has a Cutting Rough Egde, Wow. I Adore Him =)