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 have had it easy for most of my life Adulthood has brought me a series of complications Swallow these nails turn away I must not look back The ills of modern man are much larger than my own personal battles It feels like I have been fighting for nothing The ills of modern man are much larger than my own personal battles I have been too caught up in this crying game and I want out I am sick of hearing myself whine Drink this wine and choke Here I am still screaming away the same problems that have fuelled this engine for years I have bathed the faceless in a cesspool filled with my own tears The ills of modern man are much larger than my own personal battles It feels like I have been fighting for nothing The ills of modern man are much larger than my own personal battles I have been too caught up in this crying game I quit Deep down there is shade in all of us but there is also luminosity My flaws have now been exposed by its brightness""
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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.
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.
I think this is about sinking and getting out of a quarter life crisis.
"I have had it easy for most of my life Adulthood has brought me a series of complications Swallow these nails, turn away I must not look back"
Forcing himself to go forward despite the nostalgia teasing him.
"The ills of modern man are much larger than my own personal battles It feels like I have been fighting for nothing The ills of modern man are much larger than my own personal battles I have been too caught up in this crying game and I want out"
Realising that, in the grand scheme of things, his problems are fairly insignificant and he's sick of crying about it.
"I am sick of hearing myself whine Drink this wine and choke"
Reaching for the bottle.
"Here I am, still screaming away the same problems that have fuelled this engine for years I have bathed the faceless in a cesspool filled with my own tears, Preserving a constant state of shock in its salty waters"
Speaks for itself, really. Screaming and crying at the world and his problems.
"Deep down, there is shade in all of us but there is also luminosity My flaws have now been exposed by its brightness, (Turning shades of) black into color"
He's found a way to turn all his negativity into something positive, accepting his weaknesses and learning to live with them.