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.
The shock value shook me off.
Adrenaline like a rookie cop.
Can I turn the siren on, please.
Never before have I been so secure with my reactionary inability.
And she's killin' me again.
It's the same old tale.
I've been murdered a million times.
Some how I keep coming back to life.
Same mountain, I continue to climb.
And I'm not as confused as I am considerate.
Back and forth between my cigarette and her clitoris.
I'm workin' on both like it's nobody's business.
Such an odd way to gain god's forgiveness.
And all of my friends believe I should forgive myself.
They insist that I've done nothing wrong.
But I'm not convinced 'till I finish every bottle on the shelf.
And I've run out of reasons to write my songs.
And all of her friends think I'm holdin' her back.
It's beautiful, but they don't know the half.
They're barely aware of a fraction.
Blinded by dramatics.
Ignoring all the passion.
Wooden ships, on the water.
Rescue me.
[x4]
The Flash of the titans.
To balance the excitement.
Challenge the enlightenment.
And flash my vice grips.
Maintenance man, keepin' faith in my plan.
If it's possible, I'll fix it.
And if not, then I'll kick it.
There was a time I would follow wind into a storm.
And all I wanted was for someone to keep me warm.
But now I'm torn by my tolerance.
I fight with my head.
I don't need to pollenate a flower that's dead.
And everyone I've built up, I watched wilt.
And everyone that has built me is killin' me.
And as much as I love her.
Neither one of us should suffer.
So I'm a glue both the wings back on and watch her flutter.
Go fly butterfly.
Don't cry shut your eyes.
Gonna watch each other die.
Before we give it another try.
Hover little hummingbird.
Dart through the sky.
I've been under the thumb.
It's no wonder I'm still shy.
Hunger, onward, with my desires.
Learned the hard way not to play with fire.
From a comfortable distance, I'll admire.
Because I got to take a break.
I'm exhausted, I'm tired.
Hunger, onward, with my desires.
Learned the hard way not to play with fire.
From a comfortable distance, I'll admire.
Because I got to take a break.
I'm exhausted, I'm tired.
Wooden ships, on the water.
Rescue me.
[x4]
Adrenaline like a rookie cop.
Can I turn the siren on, please.
Never before have I been so secure with my reactionary inability.
And she's killin' me again.
It's the same old tale.
I've been murdered a million times.
Some how I keep coming back to life.
Same mountain, I continue to climb.
And I'm not as confused as I am considerate.
Back and forth between my cigarette and her clitoris.
I'm workin' on both like it's nobody's business.
Such an odd way to gain god's forgiveness.
And all of my friends believe I should forgive myself.
They insist that I've done nothing wrong.
But I'm not convinced 'till I finish every bottle on the shelf.
And I've run out of reasons to write my songs.
And all of her friends think I'm holdin' her back.
It's beautiful, but they don't know the half.
They're barely aware of a fraction.
Blinded by dramatics.
Ignoring all the passion.
Wooden ships, on the water.
Rescue me.
[x4]
The Flash of the titans.
To balance the excitement.
Challenge the enlightenment.
And flash my vice grips.
Maintenance man, keepin' faith in my plan.
If it's possible, I'll fix it.
And if not, then I'll kick it.
There was a time I would follow wind into a storm.
And all I wanted was for someone to keep me warm.
But now I'm torn by my tolerance.
I fight with my head.
I don't need to pollenate a flower that's dead.
And everyone I've built up, I watched wilt.
And everyone that has built me is killin' me.
And as much as I love her.
Neither one of us should suffer.
So I'm a glue both the wings back on and watch her flutter.
Go fly butterfly.
Don't cry shut your eyes.
Gonna watch each other die.
Before we give it another try.
Hover little hummingbird.
Dart through the sky.
I've been under the thumb.
It's no wonder I'm still shy.
Hunger, onward, with my desires.
Learned the hard way not to play with fire.
From a comfortable distance, I'll admire.
Because I got to take a break.
I'm exhausted, I'm tired.
Hunger, onward, with my desires.
Learned the hard way not to play with fire.
From a comfortable distance, I'll admire.
Because I got to take a break.
I'm exhausted, I'm tired.
Wooden ships, on the water.
Rescue me.
[x4]
Lyrics submitted by TaintPaul
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i love this song, but i've always wondered if they MEANT to reference wooden ships by jefferson airplane, they, too, are an amazing group. The way they sing wooden ships on the water, rescue me, like that, it sounds JUST LIKE the part when JA sing wooden ships on the water, very free.
I imagine so, considering they know their shit and titled the song the same and everything.
its a very valid reference, both are epic groups and classic, amazing, songs.