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.
Toxic Emissions
Modern Conditions
Vague Apparitions
Lost in the discontents
Cling to the senses
Cling to the nothingness
Laugh like you are not there
Laugh like you do not care
Tension undying here
Soft and familiar
Wide eyed and innocent
Warm ways and imminent
Breathe in, breathe in
Breathe in, breathe in
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Lines in a paper
Black clouds and vapour
Now filled with summer
Light rains and meteors
Light rains and meteors
Holes in the universe
Crayons and scribblers
Infinite bellies burst
Cracks in the ocean crust
Choke on the cosmic dust
What will become of us?
What will become of us?
What will become of us?
What will become of us?
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Modern Conditions
Vague Apparitions
Lost in the discontents
Cling to the senses
Cling to the nothingness
Laugh like you are not there
Laugh like you do not care
Tension undying here
Soft and familiar
Wide eyed and innocent
Warm ways and imminent
Breathe in, breathe in
Breathe in, breathe in
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Lines in a paper
Black clouds and vapour
Now filled with summer
Light rains and meteors
Light rains and meteors
Holes in the universe
Crayons and scribblers
Infinite bellies burst
Cracks in the ocean crust
Choke on the cosmic dust
What will become of us?
What will become of us?
What will become of us?
What will become of us?
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Oblivion!
Lyrics submitted by Khanlari, edited by CileSuns92
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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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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.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
Here's the real lyrics. Check out the acoustic version of the song to hear them clearly.
Toxic Emissions Modern Conditions Vague Apparitions Lost in the discontents Cling to the senses Cling to the nothingness Laugh like you are not there Laugh like you do not care Tension undying here Soft and familiar Wide eyed and innocent Warm ways and imminent
Breathe in, breathe in Breathe in, breathe in
Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion!
Lines in a paper Black clouds and vapour Now filled with summer Light rains and meteors Light rains and meteors Holes in the universe Crayons and scribblers Infinite bellies burst Cracks in the ocean crust Choke on the cosmic dust
What will become of us? What will become of us? What will become of us? What will become of us?
Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion!
Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion! Oblivion!
I edited it with your corrections! Thanks for that!
We try to be oblivious to the conditions of our world to avoid thinking about or dealing with serious issues.
"flag out petitions" might possibly be "vague apparitions"? "cling" to the senses/nothingness? "tension and dying air"? i keep hearing "'not' filled with summer" and "cracks in the ocean 'crust'", possibly? haha rhymes with dust lol nice job, those first 3 lines i had a couple completely different lines but yours are definitely right
yeah, 'crust' instead of 'crack' looks right
destruction of the environment
definitely.
What's this song about? The environment?
I agree with concentric as for the words... Song has a really cool feel to it.
i think it's "lost in the discontent" not distant tense
shit, "discontents" haha