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.
Something slowly, Tremble in vain
The window is open, it's pouring rain
Thunder and lightning, a Heated night
Sneaky intentions with certain delight
(Lessons)
Lessons to learn, fire tonight
(Reason)
Reason uncertain, we're leaving tonight
(Promise)
Promise refusal, the fashion degree
(Follow)
Follow desire, Wicked pain
Lay me down!
I'm listening
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
Tell me now,
I'm begging
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
(Hold it)
Does it distract you, pillar of flesh
(Feel the)
Silver almond, colour in death
(For years)
Foolish desire, needless pain
(Fire)
Fire with fire, Lightless day
Lay me down!
I'm listening
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
Tell me now,
I'm begging
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
[Repeat: x2]
Give me the light of opinion
Just give me a goal
Swallow your pride and stop thinking
And give me a goal
Lay me down!
I'm listening
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
Tell me now,
I'm begging
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
I've already seen a true romance and it don't look like that
I've already seen a true romance and it don't look like that
The window is open, it's pouring rain
Thunder and lightning, a Heated night
Sneaky intentions with certain delight
(Lessons)
Lessons to learn, fire tonight
(Reason)
Reason uncertain, we're leaving tonight
(Promise)
Promise refusal, the fashion degree
(Follow)
Follow desire, Wicked pain
Lay me down!
I'm listening
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
Tell me now,
I'm begging
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
(Hold it)
Does it distract you, pillar of flesh
(Feel the)
Silver almond, colour in death
(For years)
Foolish desire, needless pain
(Fire)
Fire with fire, Lightless day
Lay me down!
I'm listening
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
Tell me now,
I'm begging
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
[Repeat: x2]
Give me the light of opinion
Just give me a goal
Swallow your pride and stop thinking
And give me a goal
Lay me down!
I'm listening
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
Tell me now,
I'm begging
I've already seen a true romance, and it don't look like that
I've already seen a true romance and it don't look like that
I've already seen a true romance and it don't look like that
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Great version of a great song,
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maybe this is just my warped way of thinking lol...but i think it has something to do with drugs? in referrance to "softly and slowly, gently in vain" (or vein) a couple of other things too maybe..give it a go see what u think..i would definatly like to be wrong! whatever its about..i'm loving it :)