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.
Another constellation dies
Do what you want 'cause it's your own sky
Just call me when the phone stops ringing
Thanks for coming by
I'm just glad I'm on your good side
Where it's smoldering you're freezing
It's never all that easy to decide
This is the land of a thousand words
But it seems so few are worth the breath to say
Sit doubting looking after my own worth
And you just keep on saving the day
I'll try to stay but it's in vain when you're far
I'm on the run to wherever you are
And that's the nature of the chase
You fall so far behind you end in first place
Pass the torch this time we're running to each's own regret
There's no harm in playing hard to get
Boundlessness deceives me
But baby you may turn the corner yet
This is the land of a thousand words
But it seems so few are worth the breath to say
Sit doubting looking after my own worth
And you just keep on saving the day
I'll try to stay but it's in vain when you're far
I'm on the run to wherever you are
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
(to where ever you are)
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
(to where ever you are)
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
(to where ever you are)
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
Do what you want 'cause it's your own sky
Just call me when the phone stops ringing
Thanks for coming by
I'm just glad I'm on your good side
Where it's smoldering you're freezing
It's never all that easy to decide
This is the land of a thousand words
But it seems so few are worth the breath to say
Sit doubting looking after my own worth
And you just keep on saving the day
I'll try to stay but it's in vain when you're far
I'm on the run to wherever you are
And that's the nature of the chase
You fall so far behind you end in first place
Pass the torch this time we're running to each's own regret
There's no harm in playing hard to get
Boundlessness deceives me
But baby you may turn the corner yet
This is the land of a thousand words
But it seems so few are worth the breath to say
Sit doubting looking after my own worth
And you just keep on saving the day
I'll try to stay but it's in vain when you're far
I'm on the run to wherever you are
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
(to where ever you are)
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
(to where ever you are)
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
(to where ever you are)
I'm not gonna do everything you say
Tried to stay but time is running out
But now I'm on my way
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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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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I understand the song to be about two people who are interested in each other, but let their ambitions get in the way. The singer is cool about it though, he seems to understand that is the nature of how things go, and he won't wait anymore, he's going to try his luck even with so much time passing and so much between them. But that's just my take, I don't know.
Gorgeous song. And the Bond-esque video suits it so well.
I agree with katra, in a way. I think it's a story of two people who are interested in eachother but some things are in the way - ambition, distance, "playing hard to get". Great song, I love the vocals by Jake and Ana...fantastic.
I agree with Katra people too busy with their own lives to let each other in, "boundlessness deceives me"...the idea that so many options are available that to choose one would limit one's experience so just keep playing the field never settling down to experience the deeper levels of love. I luuuuuv this song! Gorgeous melody and bittersweet lyrics--bound to be a classic torch song.
It seems that in keeping with the theme of the song noone has said anything. I think that sums it up.
This song is absolutely beautiful.