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.
Dear Love,
Better sit down
Bad news
Get the word out
Accidents come with conclusions
I'm numb on the asphalt
Don't cry, wasn't your fault
I can't feel
It's just confusion
(Keep on, keep on, keep on)
When I'm gone
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you when I'm gone
Teardrops paint the faces
Despair is contagious
Dressed in black
Clutching a red rose
(Hold on, hold on, hold on)
When life goes on
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you when I'm gone
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you...
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you when I'm gone
Better sit down
Bad news
Get the word out
Accidents come with conclusions
I'm numb on the asphalt
Don't cry, wasn't your fault
I can't feel
It's just confusion
(Keep on, keep on, keep on)
When I'm gone
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you when I'm gone
Teardrops paint the faces
Despair is contagious
Dressed in black
Clutching a red rose
(Hold on, hold on, hold on)
When life goes on
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you when I'm gone
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you...
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
Don't be sad for long
(When I'm gone)
And the lights are out
I'll be shining on
I'm just gonna let my life bleed on this letter
Let my song sing on forever
I'll still love you when I'm gone
Lyrics submitted by iheartyoubaby
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I love this song. It reminds me of my friend when she passed away. She was hit by a transit train-almost like a car on pavement-and this song brings me back to when she was here. I always cry when I listen to this song. But, nonetheless it's an amzing song.