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.
Out of all the safe roads promised
We return to the one with no self control
It's a fuel to the fire, that should never burn
While everything around us is so dry
Oh up in smoke we go
(Up in smoke we go)
Oh up in smoke we go
(Up in smoke we go)
Oh up in smoke...
I have no time girl
To play this game with you
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
Before you get any ideas, clean yourself off
Oh...
(you get burned)
How many others will it take to reach your goal?
You're never complete
But still you continue to spread it time after time
I have no time girl
To play this game with you
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
Go preach your sorrows girl, on someone else
My bet is: its going to end with heartache
Spread your legs one time
Spread your legs two times
We both know this is pathetic
I have no time girl
To play this game with you
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
This game...
To this game...
To this game...
(If you play with fire, you'll get burned)
(If you play with fire, you'll get burned)
We return to the one with no self control
It's a fuel to the fire, that should never burn
While everything around us is so dry
Oh up in smoke we go
(Up in smoke we go)
Oh up in smoke we go
(Up in smoke we go)
Oh up in smoke...
I have no time girl
To play this game with you
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
Before you get any ideas, clean yourself off
Oh...
(you get burned)
How many others will it take to reach your goal?
You're never complete
But still you continue to spread it time after time
I have no time girl
To play this game with you
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
Go preach your sorrows girl, on someone else
My bet is: its going to end with heartache
Spread your legs one time
Spread your legs two times
We both know this is pathetic
I have no time girl
To play this game with you
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
I have a queen, why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Why would I settle for a fucking maid?
Don't bring me back to this game
This game...
To this game...
To this game...
(If you play with fire, you'll get burned)
(If you play with fire, you'll get burned)
Lyrics submitted by jenniferchristine, edited by vidmarinc
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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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Hayalperest
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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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Silent Planet
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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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How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
this song is def about groupies...and how theyre like, rented for the night (maid) but he has his girl now and shes his queen