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.
been kicked around so long, you’re starting to get used to how it feels
the taste of blood that’s in your mouth
but still somehow it always heals
don’t know how you keep on gettin’ up
from all those ghostly blows
and all the pain that lingers
deep down in the darkness where it grows
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up kid
to keep your head up kid
there you sit on high, all tucked away and locked up in the clouds
waiting for someone to finally come along and take you out
into this bitter world that all so often treated you so cruel
when they turn away you know that they will say that you’re a fool
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up, kid
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up, kid
so patiently you’ve waited
for a love to come along to take you
out into this bitter world so often done you wrong
there you sit alone and there you shed a solitary tear
listening to a song you think that no one else will ever hear
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up, kid
i know hard it is
to keep your head up
keep your head up
keep your head up
keep your head up
the taste of blood that’s in your mouth
but still somehow it always heals
don’t know how you keep on gettin’ up
from all those ghostly blows
and all the pain that lingers
deep down in the darkness where it grows
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up kid
to keep your head up kid
there you sit on high, all tucked away and locked up in the clouds
waiting for someone to finally come along and take you out
into this bitter world that all so often treated you so cruel
when they turn away you know that they will say that you’re a fool
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up, kid
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up, kid
so patiently you’ve waited
for a love to come along to take you
out into this bitter world so often done you wrong
there you sit alone and there you shed a solitary tear
listening to a song you think that no one else will ever hear
i know how hard it is
to keep your head up, kid
i know hard it is
to keep your head up
keep your head up
keep your head up
keep your head up
Lyrics submitted by kratos1987
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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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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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What a sad song.