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.
We are still alive but died to know
What you're thinking
But don't really want to know
And distance makes the heart forget your face
Oh, we'd forget you anyway
On the shore with a bottled note
That floats with hope from a hopeless throw
Waiting on the worst with patient stares
A shotgun reply's only fair
Dying to know, I'm dying to know
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Dying to know and diving in the shallows
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Drowning in the sea it's sink or swim
And I tell you I'm kind of exhausted here
The message in the glass
They all float past without sinking
They're not going down with me
When the tide's too much to bare
And the sharks swim everywhere
I'm dying to know, I'm dying to know
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Dying to know and diving in the shallows
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
And we all hope for rescue this far out to sea
But we haven't seen the shoreline
Since a quarter to three
Close your eyes darling, drown and be free
I'm dying to know, I'm dying to know
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Dying to know and diving in the shallows.
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Are we coming back again?
Are we coming back again?
Are we coming back again?
Are we coming back again?
What you're thinking
But don't really want to know
And distance makes the heart forget your face
Oh, we'd forget you anyway
On the shore with a bottled note
That floats with hope from a hopeless throw
Waiting on the worst with patient stares
A shotgun reply's only fair
Dying to know, I'm dying to know
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Dying to know and diving in the shallows
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Drowning in the sea it's sink or swim
And I tell you I'm kind of exhausted here
The message in the glass
They all float past without sinking
They're not going down with me
When the tide's too much to bare
And the sharks swim everywhere
I'm dying to know, I'm dying to know
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Dying to know and diving in the shallows
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
And we all hope for rescue this far out to sea
But we haven't seen the shoreline
Since a quarter to three
Close your eyes darling, drown and be free
I'm dying to know, I'm dying to know
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Dying to know and diving in the shallows.
Are we coming back again?
Is this making sense?
Are we coming back again?
Are we coming back again?
Are we coming back again?
Are we coming back again?
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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.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
When We Were Young
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/