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.
I like to hold hands when we walk
I'm not averse to pillow talk
But I prefer a private joke
The memory it evokes
Because it's our punchline
It's our punchline
That film we saw from the front row
It means so much to us alone
I love the wrinkled brow
Of anyone else around
Becauses it's our punchline
It's our punchline
And when we're out
And you say "It would appear..."
We laugh and laugh
No one else hears
No one at all at all at all
And when we're out
And you say "It would appear..."
We laugh and laugh
No one else hears
No one at all at all at all
If you want to be a romantic fool
You don't have to say "I love you"
Just say what's in your heart
Non-sequitor or not
And without even trying
Find your punchline
Find your punchline
I'm not averse to pillow talk
But I prefer a private joke
The memory it evokes
Because it's our punchline
It's our punchline
That film we saw from the front row
It means so much to us alone
I love the wrinkled brow
Of anyone else around
Becauses it's our punchline
It's our punchline
And when we're out
And you say "It would appear..."
We laugh and laugh
No one else hears
No one at all at all at all
And when we're out
And you say "It would appear..."
We laugh and laugh
No one else hears
No one at all at all at all
If you want to be a romantic fool
You don't have to say "I love you"
Just say what's in your heart
Non-sequitor or not
And without even trying
Find your punchline
Find your punchline
Lyrics submitted by smallwonderrobot
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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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Great version of a great song,
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It seems to be about the joy of things esoteric. It's about how the little things that you and your lover share with one another makes your relationship truly what it is.