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.
Last night you'd have caught me sleeping,
I was never more at ease
Despite all the talk of that trip
To Illinois that I couldn't pay for
Last night you'd have caught me thinking
On how on earth you are sleeping
When circumstance has dictated
And your holy eyes I can't avoid.
But I'll never feel guilty for the reasons you think
I should have a hard time sleeping
My friendship rests on Illinois?
When I work hard everyday I don't think
I have to explain every bill we must pay
So when you think that you shouldn't have caught me sleeping
You caught me sleeping, and just keep in mind
I never want to have to say
I made myself feel happy for you
I don't know how this can concern you
The rise of tides and sand
I chose and to those two I owe
I am sorry for letting silence let you know
And I see what everybody thinks.
Know I'm happy for you.
And I can't help from feeling that
Everyone wonders while I sink-
Why doesn't he just take a breath?
Brother please watch my back.
I feel so bad. I can't avoid, but I try.
Knowing deep down inside
I care what my friends think
I am kidding no one.
Silent dogs live in everybody
And I'll understand if you bare your teeth.
Please don't bare them too long.
Don't forget that your my friends
And of course I care what you must think
But I have to say,
I don't think that's what everybody thinks.
You're my friends. my hearts unfair?
I hope that's not what everybody thinks
You're my friends. my hears unfair?
I have to say-thats not the case
I was never more at ease
Despite all the talk of that trip
To Illinois that I couldn't pay for
Last night you'd have caught me thinking
On how on earth you are sleeping
When circumstance has dictated
And your holy eyes I can't avoid.
But I'll never feel guilty for the reasons you think
I should have a hard time sleeping
My friendship rests on Illinois?
When I work hard everyday I don't think
I have to explain every bill we must pay
So when you think that you shouldn't have caught me sleeping
You caught me sleeping, and just keep in mind
I never want to have to say
I made myself feel happy for you
I don't know how this can concern you
The rise of tides and sand
I chose and to those two I owe
I am sorry for letting silence let you know
And I see what everybody thinks.
Know I'm happy for you.
And I can't help from feeling that
Everyone wonders while I sink-
Why doesn't he just take a breath?
Brother please watch my back.
I feel so bad. I can't avoid, but I try.
Knowing deep down inside
I care what my friends think
I am kidding no one.
Silent dogs live in everybody
And I'll understand if you bare your teeth.
Please don't bare them too long.
Don't forget that your my friends
And of course I care what you must think
But I have to say,
I don't think that's what everybody thinks.
You're my friends. my hearts unfair?
I hope that's not what everybody thinks
You're my friends. my hears unfair?
I have to say-thats not the case
Lyrics submitted by IanIsSuperRad
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
favorite shook ones song!