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.
When he reached the gates of heaven
He didn't understand
He knew that folks were coming over
Or was it all a dream?
Was it all a crazy dream?
He saw them playing there before him
What were they doing there?
It felt like home, It must be alright
Or is it just a dream?
Is it just a crazy dream?
Memories replay before him
All the tiny moments of his life
Laying round in bed on a Saturday morning
Two daughters and a wife
Two daughters and a beautiful wife
Meanwhile on Earth his friends came over
Shocked and horrified
Dolls and flowers at the storefront
Everybody cried
Everybody cried and cried
Is there vengeance up in heaven?
Are those things left behind?
Maybe everyday is Saturday morning
Two daughters and a wife
Two daughters and a beautiful wife
Two daughters and a beautiful wife
He didn't understand
He knew that folks were coming over
Or was it all a dream?
Was it all a crazy dream?
He saw them playing there before him
What were they doing there?
It felt like home, It must be alright
Or is it just a dream?
Is it just a crazy dream?
Memories replay before him
All the tiny moments of his life
Laying round in bed on a Saturday morning
Two daughters and a wife
Two daughters and a beautiful wife
Meanwhile on Earth his friends came over
Shocked and horrified
Dolls and flowers at the storefront
Everybody cried
Everybody cried and cried
Is there vengeance up in heaven?
Are those things left behind?
Maybe everyday is Saturday morning
Two daughters and a wife
Two daughters and a beautiful wife
Two daughters and a beautiful wife
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The song was written as a tribute to the Harvey family who were slaughtered on New Year's Day in 2006.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Richmond_spree_murders
I heard the family were friends with the band and the Patterson was heavily affected by their murders.
This song was written specifically about the Harvey family, murdered on New Years Day 2006. See the link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_family_murder. Wikipedia mentions the song under the memorials sction. Those of us in Richmond remain saddened to this day. They were two daughters and a beautiful wife. Brian Harvey, as well. They were a beautiful family.
apparently, i will go down as one of the only people to comment on any of the drive-by truckers' albums...but this songs has to be one of the best openers they have ever had...strictly about remembering your life after you have gone, and wondering if anyone will give a damn
Listening to this song, it makes you think about your life and how when everything is said and done, we end up missing the little things that matter the most like time with your family.
I think I heard Hood say that this was written to try to find some hope in a crappy situation. And I think it's supposed to be uplifting, but I think it's supposed to be from the point of view of those left behind, imagining the deceased in a happy, peaceful place.
What an incredibly haunting song about death and a reflection of ones life.
It's not all that hard to figure out. But it doesn't need to have a deep meaning for it to be a good song. The first time I heard it, I literally cried. It really IS haunting.
hyscience.com/archives/2006/01/entire_family_f.php
Such a tragic event. Patterson did an amazing job of painting a picture of the emotions and what one could make of a tragedy like this. This had to be extremely difficult to write and perform this song, but it truly honors the memory of the Harvey Family. I really do think everyday is Saturday morning for the Harvey family and there watching over their loved ones who are still here.
This song is actually based on the murder of a family. Band member Patterson Hood stated he wrote the song in reaction to the death of Bryan Harvey and his family. The father in the song is in heaven and sees his family there... he didn't know they were killed too.