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.
Rain bird, laughing in the olive tree, la la dee dah
Collared shirt, with the alabaster altarpiece, you made for me
Some are sweet, and some forgiven
Your advice is all that seems to matter much to me
Call it "sweet", call it "something paradise"
Is it the right word you that designed for me?
Is it the broken word or good advice I need?
Is it the half as sweet set aside for me?
Is it mysterious? Is it something ripe and sweet?
Snowbird, your sister said she needed me, la la dee dah
Show them first, show them what you did for me, la la dee dah
Quiet song, and little soldier sent beneath
And epaulets that covered every shoulder
Stuttered sweet, "Come take
Forget the things I said, to please."
Is it the right word that you designed for me?
Is it the broken word or good advice I need?
Is the tapestry set beneath my wings?
Is it mysterious, is it glorious? Indeed
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Quiet room, I need you now
Is it the right word?
Is it the broken word?
Is it the tapestry?
Is it the majesty?
Is it the right word?
Is it the broken word?
Is it the tapestry?
Come to me, majesty
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Quiet room, I need you now
Collared shirt, with the alabaster altarpiece, you made for me
Some are sweet, and some forgiven
Your advice is all that seems to matter much to me
Call it "sweet", call it "something paradise"
Is it the right word you that designed for me?
Is it the broken word or good advice I need?
Is it the half as sweet set aside for me?
Is it mysterious? Is it something ripe and sweet?
Snowbird, your sister said she needed me, la la dee dah
Show them first, show them what you did for me, la la dee dah
Quiet song, and little soldier sent beneath
And epaulets that covered every shoulder
Stuttered sweet, "Come take
Forget the things I said, to please."
Is it the right word that you designed for me?
Is it the broken word or good advice I need?
Is the tapestry set beneath my wings?
Is it mysterious, is it glorious? Indeed
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Quiet room, I need you now
Is it the right word?
Is it the broken word?
Is it the tapestry?
Is it the majesty?
Is it the right word?
Is it the broken word?
Is it the tapestry?
Come to me, majesty
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Don't stop, don't break
You can delight because you have a place
Quiet room, I need you now
Lyrics submitted by y2penni, edited by emaildump, TheGreatIncog
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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.
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Oh my gosh. I cannot describe the feeling of this song live. I saw him in Portland and I think I had chills the entire time. By far the best concer that I have been to.