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.
Why does it, come to this?
A feeling of, departure
Look away, from this storm
Turn away, pull the thorns
Out
And Help yourself
Die
But close your eyes
See yourself, slipping away
Conscience is twisted, bury this day
This day, this day
You'll regret this
You'll die for this
I'll laugh in bliss
Goodbye my last kiss
You will die
You will burn
Light the match
Smell the ashes
Knock you out
Pour the gasoline
No escape
This is your fate
Wake up
Smell the gasoline
Watch the flames near
You'll burn alive
I won't hesitate
Carry me, I can't see
Illusions of absoluteness
In this reverie
Why does it always come to this?
Dream of contentment, dream of lies
Load the gun
I'm playing god tonight
Infinite sadness, I've lost myself
A feeling of, departure
Look away, from this storm
Turn away, pull the thorns
Out
And Help yourself
Die
But close your eyes
See yourself, slipping away
Conscience is twisted, bury this day
This day, this day
You'll regret this
You'll die for this
I'll laugh in bliss
Goodbye my last kiss
You will die
You will burn
Light the match
Smell the ashes
Knock you out
Pour the gasoline
No escape
This is your fate
Wake up
Smell the gasoline
Watch the flames near
You'll burn alive
I won't hesitate
Carry me, I can't see
Illusions of absoluteness
In this reverie
Why does it always come to this?
Dream of contentment, dream of lies
Load the gun
I'm playing god tonight
Infinite sadness, I've lost myself
Lyrics submitted by njspeedbeast
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.