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.
Remember when I took you
Up to the top of the hill?
We had our knives drawn
They were as sharp
As we were in love
If god crossed us
We'd take all his drugs
Burn his money
And his house down
And wait for the fire to spread
Sometimes hate is not enough
To turn this all to ashes
Together as one
Against all others
Break all of our wings
And make sure it crashes
We're running to the
Edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
I don't know if the world will end today
I had no choice
To erase the debt of our families
Let you say goodbye
With lips like dynamite
And everyone
Turned their backs
Because they knew
When we held on tight
To each other
We were something fatal
That fell into the wrong hands
Sometimes hate is not enough
To turn this all to ashes
Together as one
Against all others
Break all of your wings
And make sure it crashes
We're running to the edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
I don't know if the world will end today
We don't see death, we see destruction
Death, we see destruction
We don't see death, we see destruction
Death, we see destruction
We're running to the edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
But I don't know if the world will end today
We're running to the edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
Don't know if the world will end today
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
Up to the top of the hill?
We had our knives drawn
They were as sharp
As we were in love
If god crossed us
We'd take all his drugs
Burn his money
And his house down
And wait for the fire to spread
Sometimes hate is not enough
To turn this all to ashes
Together as one
Against all others
Break all of our wings
And make sure it crashes
We're running to the
Edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
I don't know if the world will end today
I had no choice
To erase the debt of our families
Let you say goodbye
With lips like dynamite
And everyone
Turned their backs
Because they knew
When we held on tight
To each other
We were something fatal
That fell into the wrong hands
Sometimes hate is not enough
To turn this all to ashes
Together as one
Against all others
Break all of your wings
And make sure it crashes
We're running to the edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
I don't know if the world will end today
We don't see death, we see destruction
Death, we see destruction
We don't see death, we see destruction
Death, we see destruction
We're running to the edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
But I don't know if the world will end today
We're running to the edge of the world
Running, running away
We're running to the edge of the world
Don't know if the world will end today
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
See a new beginning rise behind the sun
We can never catch up to them as fast as we run
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Light Up The Sky
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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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.
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Amazing
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
"sometimes hate is not enough to turn this all to ashes" This line makes me think he was really in love but suddenly something happened and all of that love turned into hate, but even all of that hate is not enough to make him forget about that girl... just there's no way he can forget about her, no matter how bad they ended up.
This is for me far the most touching MM's song, I feel this song specially sincere.