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.
What if I lead the way
What if I make mistakes
(Will you be there?)
What if I change the world
What if I take the blame
(Will you be there?)
I remember going back
To the place we used to lay
But I keep losing track
And now the days they all turn black
And our dreams all start to fade
But there's no turning back
Cause the world keeps turning
(Why do you tell me you care if you're not going to change?)
And my heart keeps burning
(Why do you tell me you care?)
What if I change the world
If I lead the way
What if I be the one
That takes the blame
What if I can't go on without you
What if I graduate
What if I don't
What if I don't
Now I'm slowly giving up
As the world keeps losing faith
And you still turn your back
Now the path I follow
Takes a toll on me
On you
But there's no turning back
Cause the world keeps turning
(Why do you tell me you care if you're not going to change?)
And my heart keeps burning
(Why do you tell me you care?)
What if I change the world
If I lead the way
What if I be the one
That takes the blame
What if I can't go on without you
What if I graduate
What if I don't [x6]
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
For you to call me
What if I lead the way
What if I graduate
What if I change the world
Would you still remember me
What if I lead the way
What if I graduate
What if I change the world
And I find the way to tell you (what you need to hear)
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
For you to call me
What if I make mistakes
(Will you be there?)
What if I change the world
What if I take the blame
(Will you be there?)
I remember going back
To the place we used to lay
But I keep losing track
And now the days they all turn black
And our dreams all start to fade
But there's no turning back
Cause the world keeps turning
(Why do you tell me you care if you're not going to change?)
And my heart keeps burning
(Why do you tell me you care?)
What if I change the world
If I lead the way
What if I be the one
That takes the blame
What if I can't go on without you
What if I graduate
What if I don't
What if I don't
Now I'm slowly giving up
As the world keeps losing faith
And you still turn your back
Now the path I follow
Takes a toll on me
On you
But there's no turning back
Cause the world keeps turning
(Why do you tell me you care if you're not going to change?)
And my heart keeps burning
(Why do you tell me you care?)
What if I change the world
If I lead the way
What if I be the one
That takes the blame
What if I can't go on without you
What if I graduate
What if I don't [x6]
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
For you to call me
What if I lead the way
What if I graduate
What if I change the world
Would you still remember me
What if I lead the way
What if I graduate
What if I change the world
And I find the way to tell you (what you need to hear)
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
I'll be waiting here
For you to call me
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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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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Amazing
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
This is one of my favorite SP songs...I'm surprised it doesn't have many comments.
A lot of these lines (and the tite) have special meaning with me because of an almost-relationship I had with a friend.
"Cause the world keeps turning (So why do you tell me you care if you're not going to stay?) And my heart's still burning (Why do you tell me you care?)"
I love the power in those lines. Why would you tell me you cared about me when you were just going to move on and leave me?