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.
there's something in the gold that we're digging
the ground is sore but the axe still falls
and still we mine for fame and for fortune
and fall asleep each night against the bankrupt walls
your instruments
your tools for removal
their every swing just quotes the ghosts of other tries
so heavy now it gets hard to remember
how they ever could have felt so light
your lungs collapse
semi-precious but necessary
you can clutch at dust or run for open sky
outside the walls
escaping birds chase the air
bursting out into that real world blinding light
there's something in the gold we're digging
there's something in the air down here
will you hold whatever hand will have you
will you be what's needed year to year
the ground is sore but the axe still falls
and still we mine for fame and for fortune
and fall asleep each night against the bankrupt walls
your instruments
your tools for removal
their every swing just quotes the ghosts of other tries
so heavy now it gets hard to remember
how they ever could have felt so light
your lungs collapse
semi-precious but necessary
you can clutch at dust or run for open sky
outside the walls
escaping birds chase the air
bursting out into that real world blinding light
there's something in the gold we're digging
there's something in the air down here
will you hold whatever hand will have you
will you be what's needed year to year
Lyrics submitted by Spacecow
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.