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.
Now I know
That I can't make you stay
But where's your heart?
But where's your heart?
But where's your...
And I know
There's nothing I can say
To change that part
To change that part
To change...
So many
Bright lights that cast a shadow
But can I speak?
Well is it hard understanding
I'm incomplete?
A life that's so demanding
I get so weak
A love that's so demanding
I can't speak
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
Can you see?
My eyes are shining bright
'Cause I'm out here on the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror
And I'm so weak
Is it hard understanding?
I'm incomplete
A love that's so demanding
I get weak
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
These bright lights have always blinded me
These bright lights have always blinded me
I say
I see you lying next to me
With words I thought I’d never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead?
(I can see, I see you lying)
'Cause I see you lying next to me
(I can see, I see you lying)
With words I thought I’d never speak
(I can see, I see you lying)
Awake and unafraid
(I can see, I see you lying)
Asleep or dead?
'Cause I see you lying next to me
With words I thought I’d never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead?
'Cause I see you lying next to me
With words I thought I’d never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead?
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Or dead)
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
(Or dead)
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Or dead)
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
(Or dead)
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Or dead)
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
That I can't make you stay
But where's your heart?
But where's your heart?
But where's your...
And I know
There's nothing I can say
To change that part
To change that part
To change...
So many
Bright lights that cast a shadow
But can I speak?
Well is it hard understanding
I'm incomplete?
A life that's so demanding
I get so weak
A love that's so demanding
I can't speak
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
Can you see?
My eyes are shining bright
'Cause I'm out here on the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror
And I'm so weak
Is it hard understanding?
I'm incomplete
A love that's so demanding
I get weak
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
These bright lights have always blinded me
These bright lights have always blinded me
I say
I see you lying next to me
With words I thought I’d never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead?
(I can see, I see you lying)
'Cause I see you lying next to me
(I can see, I see you lying)
With words I thought I’d never speak
(I can see, I see you lying)
Awake and unafraid
(I can see, I see you lying)
Asleep or dead?
'Cause I see you lying next to me
With words I thought I’d never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead?
'Cause I see you lying next to me
With words I thought I’d never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead?
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Or dead)
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
(Or dead)
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Or dead)
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
(Or dead)
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Or dead)
Honey if you stay I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
Lyrics submitted by shealerevenge, edited by SmashingDestiny
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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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Now Famous Last Words essentially takes what I think to be the moral of the record (live life to the fullest, as you never know what day will be your last) and screams it loud for anyone who didn't catch it before.
"I'm not afraid to keep on living/I'm not afraid to walk this world alone"
Life is not meant to be feared, true, it has its moments of sorrow, but what the band is trying to say is that you should live it the best you can, no matter what happens.
That being said, why are they considered "emo"?