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.
Well you impress me so completely
I start obsessing to hear from you
Whatever you do, you do sweetly
It takes a lot to not take from you
You're not secure enough to tell me
Your first impression of all these clowns
So you'll be tricky enough to compel me
To take the lead and to speak out loud, yeah
[Chorus]
Speak to me and don't speak softly
Talk to me and let me know
Grab hold of my shoulder and tell me
Grab hold and do not let go
Grab hold and do not let go
And if you find yourself repeating
Some of those incoherent sounds
Just talking to yourself is cheating
You might as well stick your head in the ground, yeah
[Chorus]
Grab hold and do not let go
I feel compelled to just yell out for you
To say the words that you can't bring out
But I cannot do everything for you
And if I don't then these stones will shout
Yeah, if I don't then these stones will shout
Well, if I don't then these stones will shout
So if I were to just lay here silent
And see if you would take control
The stones below me and may be compiling
And they would wrestle me, pester me, mess with me, just trying to free your soul
[Chorus: x2]
Grab hold and do not let go
Grab hold and do not let go
Grab hold and do not let go
I start obsessing to hear from you
Whatever you do, you do sweetly
It takes a lot to not take from you
You're not secure enough to tell me
Your first impression of all these clowns
So you'll be tricky enough to compel me
To take the lead and to speak out loud, yeah
[Chorus]
Speak to me and don't speak softly
Talk to me and let me know
Grab hold of my shoulder and tell me
Grab hold and do not let go
Grab hold and do not let go
And if you find yourself repeating
Some of those incoherent sounds
Just talking to yourself is cheating
You might as well stick your head in the ground, yeah
[Chorus]
Grab hold and do not let go
I feel compelled to just yell out for you
To say the words that you can't bring out
But I cannot do everything for you
And if I don't then these stones will shout
Yeah, if I don't then these stones will shout
Well, if I don't then these stones will shout
So if I were to just lay here silent
And see if you would take control
The stones below me and may be compiling
And they would wrestle me, pester me, mess with me, just trying to free your soul
[Chorus: x2]
Grab hold and do not let go
Grab hold and do not let go
Grab hold and do not let go
Lyrics submitted by hugmecolin
These Stones Will Shout Lyrics as written by Jack White Brendan Benson
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
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 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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Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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I keep being reminded of Meg when I hear this song. It's sort of like "Truth Doesn't Make a Noise" in a way.
I think the first half of the song is pretty obvious. He's really into this new girl and he brings her around his world (possibly Jack's rock and roll world). She's uncomfortable around them and clearly shows it but won't ever say it. (you're not secure enough to tell me, your first impression of all these clowns) very important line.
He wants her to want him more, but in order for them to grow closer he needs her to speak up and say what she feels instead of being tricky enough to compel him to speak up on her behalf.
Everyone's brought that sweet nice girl around his friends and she's too nice to say what she feels but she shows that she's not comfortable around them. It's unfortunate, because you really like the girl and you want her to accept you and your friends but you know it's impossible unless she speaks up.
I love the line that says "just talking to yourself is cheating, you might as well stick your head in the ground." How frustrating is it when someone makes little comments under their breath instead of just speaking up and saying what they feel?
Favortie song on a great album. Probably better than Broken Boy Soldier
I agree with you completely. I can't listen to this song without getting a smile on my face, it's one of my favorites as well.
I'm pretty sure he's singing to someone who's introverted, who might feel they can't talk to anyone, and he's letting them know he's willing to listen.
god only knows
i think its about a guy whose trippin from that line about clowns and just how he writes
I think this song has strong references to that verse in the Bible that says if you don't worship God then the stones will cry out for you.
I'm not really sure but whenever I think about it, I always come back to the thought of it being about a relationship. It's like he really likes her but is sorta waiting 4 her to say something but she won't so he gets confused and frustrated. ? not sure, though.
Rolling stone says its an old folk hymn. Haven't been able to find it anywhere else, so I'm not sure how much of the lyrics are adapted, if any at all.
Absolutely gorgeous song! Much more emotional depth than most Raconteurs songs. Clearly, its about two people so obviously right for each other who can't seem to get it together, and the frustration that ensues.
Definitely about a relationship. There is a tone of desperation in lyrics, desperation, passion and insistence. The singer clearly is enamored with whoever he is singing to. But I think that he is unsure about the feelings of the "you" in the song. It's like he wants her, but doesn't want to force it---he wants her to want him. And for some reason there is confusion or perhaps she has an emotional wall built up to protect herself from being hurt, or maybe it's a forbidden love type situation. He wants her to want him, and take the lead. The bit about the stones---"below" him, makes me picture him lying on his back trying to hold back these stones. I think the stones represent his unbridled feelings & emotions, and he is trying to keep his composure, keep his own wall and hold them in, but if she doesn't take control soon, he is going to burst and his feelings will take control. Definitely a song about walls and wanting someone but wanting them to want you first. Walls and insecurities. An unwillingness to let your emotions get the best of you and dive into something which may hurt you. Love the song. Reminds me of my current relationship.