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.
It's summertime
Break it down
Heart attack
On the same path as a dart and tack.
Hold you cause I need you there
Take it cause it's only fair
Whatcha wanna go for
Why'd you'd wanna do this
I hope that you are happy
You are only empty
Everything I do is empty without you
You're taking everything that seems so true
[Chorus]
So how do you feel now, my love
You're always in every one of us
And nobody will ever shake the way you do
Your digits are candy sin to you
I'm letting you go just like the birds
I feel like I've emptied all your words
From singles takes
To mountaintops
Liquor cakes
To lemon drops
It's all for you, it's all for you
[End of chorus]
[SHAKE! SHAKE!]
Shake it up
Shake it up
Go dip it in the water
And I hope you had enough
I see you're only instinct
You're only on the outside
Burning is my hobby
And dying is my pastime
You're recreated
So don't get motivated
Your changing is outdated
And you're just overrated
I'll keep you captivated
Just watch me
So truly underrated
Just touch me
[Chorus]
Let's go! Ha Ha Ha Ha
You know you are the best [best]
It's shaking inside your chest [chest, chest, chest]
Closure just outweighs the rest
So why [why]
Why is it I will bury a tree
When you left without hope
And imprisoning me
With everything that a teacher can see
Realize that hope that will bring you to me [to me, to me]
From trenches to glory [to glory]
Oh baby that is the story [story]
You know that this could get gory
Gory, it's only, you've got it, it's morning
(ah ah ah ah ah ah)
[Chorus] x2
Break it down
Heart attack
On the same path as a dart and tack.
Hold you cause I need you there
Take it cause it's only fair
Whatcha wanna go for
Why'd you'd wanna do this
I hope that you are happy
You are only empty
Everything I do is empty without you
You're taking everything that seems so true
[Chorus]
So how do you feel now, my love
You're always in every one of us
And nobody will ever shake the way you do
Your digits are candy sin to you
I'm letting you go just like the birds
I feel like I've emptied all your words
From singles takes
To mountaintops
Liquor cakes
To lemon drops
It's all for you, it's all for you
[End of chorus]
[SHAKE! SHAKE!]
Shake it up
Shake it up
Go dip it in the water
And I hope you had enough
I see you're only instinct
You're only on the outside
Burning is my hobby
And dying is my pastime
You're recreated
So don't get motivated
Your changing is outdated
And you're just overrated
I'll keep you captivated
Just watch me
So truly underrated
Just touch me
[Chorus]
Let's go! Ha Ha Ha Ha
You know you are the best [best]
It's shaking inside your chest [chest, chest, chest]
Closure just outweighs the rest
So why [why]
Why is it I will bury a tree
When you left without hope
And imprisoning me
With everything that a teacher can see
Realize that hope that will bring you to me [to me, to me]
From trenches to glory [to glory]
Oh baby that is the story [story]
You know that this could get gory
Gory, it's only, you've got it, it's morning
(ah ah ah ah ah ah)
[Chorus] x2
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
I agree with les25, this song is EXTREMELY catchy. The song seems to be about letting go of someone, possibly someonce you don't want to let go of.
I would like to know what is meant by, "Your digits are a candy sin to you"
Any ideas?