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.
Victim of anger, tied to distance
Where does it come from?
Distrust
I've stood strong
Held my head high through constant war
So brutal, so violent
So I tiptoe through conversation
A lapse in my step is misperceived
Unleash a breath of salvation
In dormancy lies everlasting
Remember all the fires we started?
Our aspirations for progression
We feed the burning for a better day
Don't let your selfishness extinguish the flame
Prevailing with lasting intentions
Never living behind your back
Never living behind your
Convictions leave me questioning
If you've been living behind mine
Where does it come from?
Distrust
I've stood strong
Held my head high through constant war
So brutal, so violent
So I tiptoe through conversation
A lapse in my step is misperceived
Unleash a breath of salvation
In dormancy lies everlasting
Remember all the fires we started?
Our aspirations for progression
We feed the burning for a better day
Don't let your selfishness extinguish the flame
Prevailing with lasting intentions
Never living behind your back
Never living behind your
Convictions leave me questioning
If you've been living behind mine
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
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Beautiful song, and tayluhhtrill is correct.
"Victim of anger tied to distance. Where does it come from? Distrust."
"I've stood strong held my head high through constant war, So brutal, so violent. So I tiptoe through conversation; a lapse in my step is misperceived. Unleash a breath of salvation. In dormancy lies everlasting rage. Remember all the fires we started: our Aspirations for progression. We feed the burning for a better day, don't let your selfishness extinguish the flame. Prevailing with lasting intentions. Never living behind your back. Convictions leave me questioning if you've been living behind mine."