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.
You're never alone
Still you're on your own
You cannot see the light
Although you face the sun
The things you see
Are filtered through belief so strong
Passed on through DNA and society
I could never believe that the veil
I saw just came from my mind
The illusion is gone
A swarming pattern of frequencies
Is what this would be?
Without the decoders called the eyes
Bent into shape as thoughts define what you see
Losing its true form to human misery
Wait; resist the ones who feed upon your sorrow
Those who whisper lies to bring the veil in sight
Fate is not the guilt and failures of tomorrow
Fixed and carved in stone,
There's nothing of the kind
[02:37.942][Solo]
You cannot really see me in this earthly dome
So avoid judging me, stay silent
Keep in mind that all is veiled
Only fragments of your mind
Now change has begun
[Solo]
I could never believe that the veil
I saw just came from my mind
The illusion is gone
A swarming pattern of frequencies
Is what this would be?
Without the decoders called the eyes
Bent into shape as thoughts define what you see
Losing its true form to human misery
Wait; resist the ones who feed upon your sorrow
Those who whisper lies to bring the veil in sight
Fate is not the guilt and failures of tomorrow
Fixed and carved in stone,
There's nothing of the kind
Still you're on your own
You cannot see the light
Although you face the sun
The things you see
Are filtered through belief so strong
Passed on through DNA and society
I could never believe that the veil
I saw just came from my mind
The illusion is gone
A swarming pattern of frequencies
Is what this would be?
Without the decoders called the eyes
Bent into shape as thoughts define what you see
Losing its true form to human misery
Wait; resist the ones who feed upon your sorrow
Those who whisper lies to bring the veil in sight
Fate is not the guilt and failures of tomorrow
Fixed and carved in stone,
There's nothing of the kind
[02:37.942][Solo]
You cannot really see me in this earthly dome
So avoid judging me, stay silent
Keep in mind that all is veiled
Only fragments of your mind
Now change has begun
[Solo]
I could never believe that the veil
I saw just came from my mind
The illusion is gone
A swarming pattern of frequencies
Is what this would be?
Without the decoders called the eyes
Bent into shape as thoughts define what you see
Losing its true form to human misery
Wait; resist the ones who feed upon your sorrow
Those who whisper lies to bring the veil in sight
Fate is not the guilt and failures of tomorrow
Fixed and carved in stone,
There's nothing of the kind
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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 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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“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.
its mind blowing.
one of my favorite bands, we need more music to make people think!
the solo is fucking amazing!