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.
About 700 days and ways
Inside this changing
Mind is fading
Twisting turning
Eyes are burning
And nothing is working
Are we failing?
Talking cheaply
Deepen feelings
No one's thinking
Solving problems
Intervening
Nothing is working
We are experiencing Technical Difficulties
Introspection
Leads to rejection
Foolish draining sound of laughter
Confusion is our silent partner
And nothing is working
Inside this changing
Mind is fading
Twisting turning
Eyes are burning
And nothing is working
Are we failing?
Talking cheaply
Deepen feelings
No one's thinking
Solving problems
Intervening
Nothing is working
We are experiencing Technical Difficulties
Introspection
Leads to rejection
Foolish draining sound of laughter
Confusion is our silent partner
And nothing is working
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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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Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Bit Obvious Great song! anyone know when the Death To Analog Album Is Out?
The Death To Analog Album has been officially announced to release Feb 17th of 2009. You can even check the band site.
They said by the end of this year if everything goes well.
The short, disjoint lines on this one remind me of Skinny Puppy.