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.
I think I just forgot
To pick up the shells
From a recent discharge
And you took the blame
Explanations falter
To ears fallen deaf
Wherever I go I get lost
A reference to something
That both of us knew
Nothing that favors the few
In the darkness electric we see
That silence has spoken tonight
I think I have lost my language
Whatever I've said I deny
I think I have lost my way
Whatever was missing is gone
I let my focus shift
Your face is a map
I fail to discover
Drowned in the sounds
So lost in the order
It's the look that stayed my words
The unblinking knowledge
Interlocked and holding
No stalemate to break
Take hold of the flame that unites
In the silence that speaks to me now
I think I have lost my language
Whatever I've said I deny
I think I have lost my way
Whatever was missing is gone
I let my focus shift
I struggle to find the words
That negate my meaning
I fail to comprehend
What message is given
I decline the steady hand
That leads to rejection
Tempted by the closure
With no sense of pride
Drown the fury and swallow the fire
Drown the fury, swallow the fire
I think I have lost my language
Whatever I've said I deny
I think I have lost my way
Whatever was missing is gone
I let my focus shift
To pick up the shells
From a recent discharge
And you took the blame
Explanations falter
To ears fallen deaf
Wherever I go I get lost
A reference to something
That both of us knew
Nothing that favors the few
In the darkness electric we see
That silence has spoken tonight
I think I have lost my language
Whatever I've said I deny
I think I have lost my way
Whatever was missing is gone
I let my focus shift
Your face is a map
I fail to discover
Drowned in the sounds
So lost in the order
It's the look that stayed my words
The unblinking knowledge
Interlocked and holding
No stalemate to break
Take hold of the flame that unites
In the silence that speaks to me now
I think I have lost my language
Whatever I've said I deny
I think I have lost my way
Whatever was missing is gone
I let my focus shift
I struggle to find the words
That negate my meaning
I fail to comprehend
What message is given
I decline the steady hand
That leads to rejection
Tempted by the closure
With no sense of pride
Drown the fury and swallow the fire
Drown the fury, swallow the fire
I think I have lost my language
Whatever I've said I deny
I think I have lost my way
Whatever was missing is gone
I let my focus shift
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
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Absolutely amazing. I can't wait for the album to come out. Comes out April 17th for North Americans.