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.
Ramblin boy you've been around
Dallas to the underground
High above and down below
And places I was scared to go
You sang it loud in case they heard
Hanging on to every word
Gentle as a lullaby
Firecrackers in your eyes
I would give anything
For one more night to run
And one last song to sing
You weren't asking much at all
Just catch you when you fall
On your own
The long way home
What's that sadness in your smile
You've been crying all the while
Could you lean upon my shoulder
In case you die or just get old
So what are we supposed to do
Just walk around forever blue?
And all this hurry up and wait
Was it chance or was it fate
I would give anything
For one more night to run
And one last song to sing
You weren't asking much at all
Just catch you when you fall
On your own
The long way home
You weren't asking much at all
Just catch you when you fall
On your own
The long way home
Dallas to the underground
High above and down below
And places I was scared to go
You sang it loud in case they heard
Hanging on to every word
Gentle as a lullaby
Firecrackers in your eyes
I would give anything
For one more night to run
And one last song to sing
You weren't asking much at all
Just catch you when you fall
On your own
The long way home
What's that sadness in your smile
You've been crying all the while
Could you lean upon my shoulder
In case you die or just get old
So what are we supposed to do
Just walk around forever blue?
And all this hurry up and wait
Was it chance or was it fate
I would give anything
For one more night to run
And one last song to sing
You weren't asking much at all
Just catch you when you fall
On your own
The long way home
You weren't asking much at all
Just catch you when you fall
On your own
The long way home
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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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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
in the beginning he's talking about himself in third person "Ramblin boy you've been around, Dallas to the underground, High above and down below". he then continues into the song as if he's reflecting on a previous relationship or lost love that he either gave up too soon on or gave up without trying. you almost get the feeling that the two spent time together through music or "running" around (I would give anything, For one more night to run and one last song to sing) because he wants to just got back to those times, at least once. such remorse and sadness.
it's beautifully written and even better when heard live.
I’ve got a song called “Long Way Home” about a good friend of mine named Aaron Wilkinson who died in NYC many years back. I know it touched the people who had a direct relation to Aaron, but it also seemed to reach a lot of folks who had never met him. I guess the sentiment of losing a friend or a loved one is something a lot of people can relate too.
I'm not sure about all it means ... but I like meloncholyjen's comment that the first verse is in the 3rd person ... which comes out even more in the Kelly Willis/Bruce Robison version from 2013.
In either version, this song is achingly beautiful.