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.
Ever since we said our good-byes
The onion rings, the phone makes me cry
Something isn't right
Like the Deep Blue without the Great White
In the morning open your eyes
The waterfalls, the fire flies
You're an abacus
And my heart was counting on us
Your heart's got a heavy load
There's still a long way to go
Keep your eyes on the road
Crescent moon sings me to sleep
The birches bark, the willows weep
But I lie awake; I'm adrift without a snowflake
Your heart's got a heavy load
There's still a long way to go
Keep your eyes on the road
The onion rings, the phone makes me cry
Something isn't right
Like the Deep Blue without the Great White
In the morning open your eyes
The waterfalls, the fire flies
You're an abacus
And my heart was counting on us
Your heart's got a heavy load
There's still a long way to go
Keep your eyes on the road
Crescent moon sings me to sleep
The birches bark, the willows weep
But I lie awake; I'm adrift without a snowflake
Your heart's got a heavy load
There's still a long way to go
Keep your eyes on the road
Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84
Adrift Lyrics as written by Kevin Hearn Ed Robertson
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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yes i agree, wonderful way to start the album! this is an amazing song and im wondering why more people havent commented on it! this is a sone about losing his love and feeling out of sorts about it. i let my friends listen to it and she loved it. it was the first BNL song she had ever heard... anyway, great song!!