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.
Goodnight to the city and the sea
To the strangers in the street
Goodnight to the ghost out in the hall
The paint peeling off the wall
Goodnight
Sometimes I stand between the sidewalk and the sky
And just stare into the clouds as they pass by
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
Goodnight to the TV and the clocks
To the rain that never stops
Goodnight to everyone I know
Shut my eyes and let 'em go
Sometimes I stand between the sidewalk and the sky
And just stare into the clouds as they pass by
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
There is something beautiful dying every day
And for the first time in my life I'm not afraid
'Cause there's nothing in this world that doesn't change
Goodnight to the person I have been
To the place that I am in
Goodnight tomorrow, hello to the sun
Are your ready? Here I come
Sometimes I stand between the sidewalk and the sky
And just star into the clouds as they pass by
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
To the strangers in the street
Goodnight to the ghost out in the hall
The paint peeling off the wall
Goodnight
Sometimes I stand between the sidewalk and the sky
And just stare into the clouds as they pass by
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
Goodnight to the TV and the clocks
To the rain that never stops
Goodnight to everyone I know
Shut my eyes and let 'em go
Sometimes I stand between the sidewalk and the sky
And just stare into the clouds as they pass by
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
There is something beautiful dying every day
And for the first time in my life I'm not afraid
'Cause there's nothing in this world that doesn't change
Goodnight to the person I have been
To the place that I am in
Goodnight tomorrow, hello to the sun
Are your ready? Here I come
Sometimes I stand between the sidewalk and the sky
And just star into the clouds as they pass by
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
You have to leave the ground to learn to fly
Lyrics submitted by hippomaiden
Goodnight Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc., O/B/O DistroKid
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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 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,
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Why are there no comments for this song? this song kicks my ass. anyhow, i'm not sure, but i think it might be about someone maybe visiting heaven or something along those lines, and makes him commit suicide. "And just stare into the clouds as they pass by" that could be him looking at heaven and wanting to go there. 'There is something beautiful dying every day And for the first time in my life I'm not afraid 'Cause there's nothing in this world that doesn't change' when he goes there (in a dream?) he sees that at sometime, everything dies and he might as well just go now. he says goodnight to himself and the place hes in (Earth), so hes going to stay in heaven. he also says 'Are you ready, here i come' symbolizing that he is leaving and asking heaven if its ready for him. leaving the ground to learn to fly could mean that since he left the ground to visit heaven, hes flying, like angels to. I have no clue, just my opinion, but it sounded good at the time.
well, i know this song will be uber popular in a few weeks or months, so i might as well comment now. i believe this song is just about moving on from things you may be comfortable and familiar with, and exploring the rest of the world. he is saying goodbye to the familiar, and greeting the new, and he isnt afraid.
love it like cake thats all i say
this song really truly is amazing.
I think it is about him wanting to change his life and start fresh. Possibly after accepting God.