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.
An owl scans the room
And screeches as it zooms.
Lower it proceeds
To carry out its deed.
It holds a note for one,
The one who has begun
To plan out his attack
And get back on track.
Standing strong
Will be the only way.
Done with school,
What are NEWTs to him anyways?
No matter wrong,
Or no matter right,
This trip is for
The better fight.
It travels slow
And is solitaire.
So he's all aboard
A train to nowhere.
So many things to do
And so many way to go.
Maybe to the sea
Or a forest deep in snow.
The endless tricks and turns
Are surely gonna be
Hard to overcome.
So let's just wait and see.
Standing strong
Will be the only way.
Done with school,
What are NEWTs to him anyways?
She does what she can think of...
So she kisses him with her love.
And screeches as it zooms.
Lower it proceeds
To carry out its deed.
It holds a note for one,
The one who has begun
To plan out his attack
And get back on track.
Standing strong
Will be the only way.
Done with school,
What are NEWTs to him anyways?
No matter wrong,
Or no matter right,
This trip is for
The better fight.
It travels slow
And is solitaire.
So he's all aboard
A train to nowhere.
So many things to do
And so many way to go.
Maybe to the sea
Or a forest deep in snow.
The endless tricks and turns
Are surely gonna be
Hard to overcome.
So let's just wait and see.
Standing strong
Will be the only way.
Done with school,
What are NEWTs to him anyways?
She does what she can think of...
So she kisses him with her love.
Lyrics submitted by lambsear
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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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@[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.
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Great version of a great song,
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