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.
Are you sure you had to move,
Move that far away
Just to be lonely in a different state?
Well, the trouble with leaving
Is there's no escape
From the lessons in life
And the lonely grave.
So how is Memphis tonight?
Are you still alone?
Is your face smiling bright?
How is Memphis tonight?
You know I've missed our talks
Since you moved away
The dance floor is quiet
And that's how it will stay
Because I really miss my friend
We lost her in the race
This town is not the same,
Not the same place
So how is Memphis tonight?
Does the couch pull out?
Are you kissed goodnight?
How is Memphis tonight?
I don't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
Highways are boundaries
If you take them too far
You've got a lot to prove here
But who are you doing it for?
You know she's looking down
On everything you do
So be strong and be brave
Her strength is in you
So how is Memphis tonight?
Have you made your mother proud?
Have you swallowed your pride?
How is Memphis tonight?
I just can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneathe it all.
I don't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I don't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
Move that far away
Just to be lonely in a different state?
Well, the trouble with leaving
Is there's no escape
From the lessons in life
And the lonely grave.
So how is Memphis tonight?
Are you still alone?
Is your face smiling bright?
How is Memphis tonight?
You know I've missed our talks
Since you moved away
The dance floor is quiet
And that's how it will stay
Because I really miss my friend
We lost her in the race
This town is not the same,
Not the same place
So how is Memphis tonight?
Does the couch pull out?
Are you kissed goodnight?
How is Memphis tonight?
I don't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
Highways are boundaries
If you take them too far
You've got a lot to prove here
But who are you doing it for?
You know she's looking down
On everything you do
So be strong and be brave
Her strength is in you
So how is Memphis tonight?
Have you made your mother proud?
Have you swallowed your pride?
How is Memphis tonight?
I just can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneathe it all.
I don't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I don't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
I can't believe that everybody's lonely
Underneath it all.
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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 seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Sounds kinda like a close friend had to move away after the death of her mother. I get that in the verse
Highways are boundaries if you take them too far You've got a lot to prove here but who are you doing it for? You know she's looking down on everything you do So be strong and be brave Her strength is in you
He's saying that he is missing her but it's going to be alright because she has strength and not everyone is lonely no matter what they might think.