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.
Wrap me in a bolt of lightning
Send me on my way still smiling
Maybe that's the way I should go
Straight into the mouth of the unknown
I left the spare key on the table
Never really thought I'd be able
To say I merely visit on the weekends
I lost my whole life and a dear friend
I've said it so many times
I would change my ways, no, never mind
God knows I've tried
Call me a sinner, call me a saint
Tell me it's over, I'll still love you the same
Call me your favorite
Call me the worst
Tell me it's over, I don't want you to hurt
It's all that I can say
So I'll be on my way
I finally put it all together, but nothing really lasts forever
I had to make a choice that was not mine
I had to say goodbye for the last time
I kept my whole life in a suitcase
Never really stayed in one place
Maybe that's the way it should be
You know I live my life like a gypsy
I've said it so many times
I would change my ways, no, never mind
God knows I've tried
Call me a sinner, call me a saint
Tell me it's over, I'll still love you the same
Call me your favorite
Call me the worst
Tell me it's over, I don't want you to hurt
It's all that I can say
So I'll be on my way
I'll always keep you inside
You healed my heart and my life
And you know I tried
Call me a sinner, call me a saint
Tell me it's over, I'll still love you the same
Call me your favorite
Call me the worst
Tell me it's over, I don't want you to hurt
It's all that I can say
So I'll be on my way
So I'll be on my way
So I'll be on my way
Send me on my way still smiling
Maybe that's the way I should go
Straight into the mouth of the unknown
I left the spare key on the table
Never really thought I'd be able
To say I merely visit on the weekends
I lost my whole life and a dear friend
I've said it so many times
I would change my ways, no, never mind
God knows I've tried
Call me a sinner, call me a saint
Tell me it's over, I'll still love you the same
Call me your favorite
Call me the worst
Tell me it's over, I don't want you to hurt
It's all that I can say
So I'll be on my way
I finally put it all together, but nothing really lasts forever
I had to make a choice that was not mine
I had to say goodbye for the last time
I kept my whole life in a suitcase
Never really stayed in one place
Maybe that's the way it should be
You know I live my life like a gypsy
I've said it so many times
I would change my ways, no, never mind
God knows I've tried
Call me a sinner, call me a saint
Tell me it's over, I'll still love you the same
Call me your favorite
Call me the worst
Tell me it's over, I don't want you to hurt
It's all that I can say
So I'll be on my way
I'll always keep you inside
You healed my heart and my life
And you know I tried
Call me a sinner, call me a saint
Tell me it's over, I'll still love you the same
Call me your favorite
Call me the worst
Tell me it's over, I don't want you to hurt
It's all that I can say
So I'll be on my way
So I'll be on my way
So I'll be on my way
Lyrics submitted by Hale#31, edited by Allycattaylor
Call Me Lyrics as written by Tony Battaglia Brent Smith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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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The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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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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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
I think it's about finding that a breakup was for the best, yet knowing that she'll still hold a special place in your heart because she helped you out of a dark place.