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 was alone
So I set a fire and I wasted it all on you
You were a sea I cannot remember
And I knew it'd be over soon
If I was a tree I know you couldn't take it
On a Sunday afternoon
And we were a bridge on top of bodied water
With something left inside you
What is the price to be a bargain beggar
So lonely but always free
What did you mean when you said it's destructive
And you sank yourself right into me
I know you think you know
But you probably don't
And I know you think you know
But you probably don't know
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
And you slept the entire drive home
It was you my sister and I
And you slept the entire drive home
It was you my sister and I
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
So I set a fire and I wasted it all on you
You were a sea I cannot remember
And I knew it'd be over soon
If I was a tree I know you couldn't take it
On a Sunday afternoon
And we were a bridge on top of bodied water
With something left inside you
What is the price to be a bargain beggar
So lonely but always free
What did you mean when you said it's destructive
And you sank yourself right into me
I know you think you know
But you probably don't
And I know you think you know
But you probably don't know
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
And you slept the entire drive home
It was you my sister and I
And you slept the entire drive home
It was you my sister and I
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
Do you think that you would actually do it
Lyrics submitted by playtek, edited by foundthevelvetsun7
Tony the Tiger Lyrics as written by John Andrew Hull
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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 chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
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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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.
commenting..again.
"I was alone, so I set a fire and I wasted it all on you."
Fires can be used to catch the attention of somebody to come save you..i.e. you're stuck on an island and start a bonfire so planes passing overhead can find you and rescue you. This guy was lonely and just needed someone to save him. However in trying to catch this girl's attention he wasted all his "signal flares" (i.e. all his energy) on her and now has nothing left for anyone else. He is still suck without her, helpless, and lonely.
I couldnt agree more.