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.
(Verse 1)
My fears are far behind
Don't feel like changing
I can't walk beside you
When you're running
So I stay behind
Slowly breathing
If not for you
I'll let you take me down
(Chorus)
You get the best of me
Cause Ill never, I'll never back down
You won't take the rest of me
ill never back down never back down
You get the best of me
Cause ill never, ill never back down
You won't get the rest of me
Ill never back down, never back down for you (not in 1st chorus)
(Verse 2)
To see and not to hide
The times are changing
Won't you read the signs
Instead of wondering
So I say goodbye
I'm finally breathing
I'm done with you
Now let it take you down
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
And if I live to see tomorrow
I will live to hurt myself
When you drown yourself in sorrow
And you break me down
B-B-B-B- break cha break
Ya try to break me down
You still can try but you can't hold me down
(Chorus)
My fears are far behind
Don't feel like changing
I can't walk beside you
When you're running
So I stay behind
Slowly breathing
If not for you
I'll let you take me down
(Chorus)
You get the best of me
Cause Ill never, I'll never back down
You won't take the rest of me
ill never back down never back down
You get the best of me
Cause ill never, ill never back down
You won't get the rest of me
Ill never back down, never back down for you (not in 1st chorus)
(Verse 2)
To see and not to hide
The times are changing
Won't you read the signs
Instead of wondering
So I say goodbye
I'm finally breathing
I'm done with you
Now let it take you down
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
And if I live to see tomorrow
I will live to hurt myself
When you drown yourself in sorrow
And you break me down
B-B-B-B- break cha break
Ya try to break me down
You still can try but you can't hold me down
(Chorus)
Lyrics submitted by VampedVixen
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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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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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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.
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its "I'm slowly breathing"
in the bridge "i will never hurt my self"