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.
I know this song has been written already
It's not gonna stop me from writing again
Not gonna lie, I don't really wanna live
I'd rather be honest than impressive
Nothing has changed, and it's twelve years later
I'm more of a child than I was back then
Positive thinking won't keep ships from sinking
I will jump unblinking off the plank, say when
This road is long, but my patience is not
and if I must face the gun squad again,
then let me get shot
I will put on my dancing shoes,
while the gunmen are holding their breath
and scream, "one, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with death"
If love is all you need, you won't find it
Even Dr. Love aches for his lady luck
He's self-prescribed, and she's bleary-eyed
I think this verse died, I wish my songs didn't suck
This road is long, but my patience is not
and if I must face the gun squad again,
then let me get shot
I will put on my dancing shoes,
while the gunmen are holding their breath
and scream, "one, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with death"
I keep hoping I will die while I'm sleeping
but I keep waking up with no alarm beeping
This punishment's cruel, but not so unusual
The years they fly by, but the moments they're creeping
This road is long, but my patience is not
and if I must face the gun squad again,
then let me get shot
I will put on my dancing shoes,
while the gunmen are holding their breath
and scream, "one, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with...
One, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with...
One, two, three, one, two, three, watch me
I'm waltzing with death"
It's not gonna stop me from writing again
Not gonna lie, I don't really wanna live
I'd rather be honest than impressive
Nothing has changed, and it's twelve years later
I'm more of a child than I was back then
Positive thinking won't keep ships from sinking
I will jump unblinking off the plank, say when
This road is long, but my patience is not
and if I must face the gun squad again,
then let me get shot
I will put on my dancing shoes,
while the gunmen are holding their breath
and scream, "one, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with death"
If love is all you need, you won't find it
Even Dr. Love aches for his lady luck
He's self-prescribed, and she's bleary-eyed
I think this verse died, I wish my songs didn't suck
This road is long, but my patience is not
and if I must face the gun squad again,
then let me get shot
I will put on my dancing shoes,
while the gunmen are holding their breath
and scream, "one, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with death"
I keep hoping I will die while I'm sleeping
but I keep waking up with no alarm beeping
This punishment's cruel, but not so unusual
The years they fly by, but the moments they're creeping
This road is long, but my patience is not
and if I must face the gun squad again,
then let me get shot
I will put on my dancing shoes,
while the gunmen are holding their breath
and scream, "one, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with...
One, two, three, one, two, three,
watch me, I'm waltzing with...
One, two, three, one, two, three, watch me
I'm waltzing with death"
Lyrics submitted by crystal0615
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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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