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.
A vial of hope and a vial of pain
In the light they both looked the same
Poured them out on into the world
On every boy and every girl
It's in the neon Bible, the neon Bible
Not much chance for survival
If the neon Bible is right
Take the poison of your age
Don't lick your fingers when you turn the page
What I know is what you know is right
In the city it's the only light
It's the neon Bible, the neon Bible
Not much chance for survival
If the neon Bible is right
Oh God, well look at you now
Oh, you lost it, but you don't know how
In the light of a golden calf
Oh God! I had to laugh
Take the poison of your age
Don't lick your fingers when you turn the page
It was wrong, but you said it was right
In the future I will read at night
In the neon Bible, the neon Bible
Not much chance for survival
If the neon Bible is true
In the light they both looked the same
Poured them out on into the world
On every boy and every girl
It's in the neon Bible, the neon Bible
Not much chance for survival
If the neon Bible is right
Take the poison of your age
Don't lick your fingers when you turn the page
What I know is what you know is right
In the city it's the only light
It's the neon Bible, the neon Bible
Not much chance for survival
If the neon Bible is right
Oh God, well look at you now
Oh, you lost it, but you don't know how
In the light of a golden calf
Oh God! I had to laugh
Take the poison of your age
Don't lick your fingers when you turn the page
It was wrong, but you said it was right
In the future I will read at night
In the neon Bible, the neon Bible
Not much chance for survival
If the neon Bible is true
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
I have to agree with saab693 and hoboghost.
golden calf is a clear reresentation from the old testament of wealth ...and making of the own god.
I'm going to put myself on a limb here and say that it's a criticism of religious people, particularly christians who are taught to give to the poor...but you see so many of them driving fancy big cars..megachurches..and the money that is involved with it. and how their lives are somewhat of a contradiction of what they preach, in the light of all the money and commercialism (neon bible) and according to the bible that there is a condemnation after death for those who lead hyprocritical lives .. (not much chance for survival if the neon bible is right)
just a thought...i certainly think this is about religion though, what with the bible references and a name called "neon bible"