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.
Look at that cloud hang
up off the lookout hills
That's where my head is
and I keep banging my shins
There's another world
Above this one
That's where I've trying to live
But I get dragged down
There's another world
Better than this one
And that's where I've trying to live
But I get dragged down
Stand still
Stand still
Can we just stand still
Stand still
Come on, Stand still
No no no no stand still
This whole town is
All the buildings there are blocking sun and blocking sun
I know it's you who's rushing to the light
With their open mouths and appetites
They ate the ground and now the sky
They roll it out like pigeon wire
Can't they just stand still
Stand still
Stand still
Can't they just stand still
Stand still
Stand still
Can't we just stand still
So we packed our bags and headed west
She said I know a place where they can't get, where they can't get us
She slid my tired fingers into hers
And it was sunlight touching every curve, every scar
And this will be the moment that breaks my heart
Where the time creeps in and we grow apart
Can we just stand still
Stand still
Can we just stand still
Stand still
Let our lungs fill
Can we just stand still
That's what I'm talking about
Her sneakered feet hardly hitting the ground
Thoughts like a rush hour downtown
You're either sticking or pump-pumping 'em out
Drop me in the dark green
Lock me in the midst of the southeast hill
Hide me in the old crow black night
Hide me from the masochistic marking of time
I will stand like a mountain
I will stand like a tuckamore stuck in the wind
Listen to the drum of the gulf go
Listen to the drumming it's so slow
Listen to the drum of the gulf go
Listen to the drumming it's so slow
Listen to the drum of the gulf go
Listen to the drum of the gulf going stand still
up off the lookout hills
That's where my head is
and I keep banging my shins
There's another world
Above this one
That's where I've trying to live
But I get dragged down
There's another world
Better than this one
And that's where I've trying to live
But I get dragged down
Stand still
Stand still
Can we just stand still
Stand still
Come on, Stand still
No no no no stand still
This whole town is
All the buildings there are blocking sun and blocking sun
I know it's you who's rushing to the light
With their open mouths and appetites
They ate the ground and now the sky
They roll it out like pigeon wire
Can't they just stand still
Stand still
Stand still
Can't they just stand still
Stand still
Stand still
Can't we just stand still
So we packed our bags and headed west
She said I know a place where they can't get, where they can't get us
She slid my tired fingers into hers
And it was sunlight touching every curve, every scar
And this will be the moment that breaks my heart
Where the time creeps in and we grow apart
Can we just stand still
Stand still
Can we just stand still
Stand still
Let our lungs fill
Can we just stand still
That's what I'm talking about
Her sneakered feet hardly hitting the ground
Thoughts like a rush hour downtown
You're either sticking or pump-pumping 'em out
Drop me in the dark green
Lock me in the midst of the southeast hill
Hide me in the old crow black night
Hide me from the masochistic marking of time
I will stand like a mountain
I will stand like a tuckamore stuck in the wind
Listen to the drum of the gulf go
Listen to the drumming it's so slow
Listen to the drum of the gulf go
Listen to the drumming it's so slow
Listen to the drum of the gulf go
Listen to the drum of the gulf going stand still
Lyrics submitted by sassmaster, edited by chasew
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I can't believe no one has commented on this song, its pretty amazing. Also, the first question mark there should be "Lock me in the midst of the southeast hill", cant make out the others though.
Also, after the first 'hide me?' its 'i will stand like a mountain, I will stand like a ???' At least thats how I hear it/
This whole town is teeth and getting low.
Drop me in the dark green Lock me in the mists/midst of the south east hill Hide me in the old crow black night Hide me from the masochistic marking of time? i will stand like a ...? i will stand like a tuckered horse looking to win?