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.
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
I am floating, I, I am floating
With my eyes closed, with no sails
I am soaking, I am weathered by the winter of mixed drinks
Am I dancing am am I nervous simply spinning in my own grave
You were asking, you, you were asking
And with two steps, I'm saved
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Weeks gone by, I was weak
I was paler than a pine box that holds bones
She poked the iris, then she pierced a hole
And watched the colour rush forth
Modern Madonna, who held my head in
Warm hands, with pink nails
Mark my mouth, whisper that the sickness will go away
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even as I blackout, I know
And though I dreamt with a rapid eye
By day I hope to rapidly die
And have my organs laid on ice
Wait for somebody that would treat them right
And as the night started swallowing
You put the blood to my blue lips
Forced the life through still veins
Filled my heart with red again
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even as I blackout, I know
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
I am floating, I, I am floating
With my eyes closed, with no sails
I am soaking, I am weathered by the winter of mixed drinks
Am I dancing am am I nervous simply spinning in my own grave
You were asking, you, you were asking
And with two steps, I'm saved
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Weeks gone by, I was weak
I was paler than a pine box that holds bones
She poked the iris, then she pierced a hole
And watched the colour rush forth
Modern Madonna, who held my head in
Warm hands, with pink nails
Mark my mouth, whisper that the sickness will go away
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even as I blackout, I know
And though I dreamt with a rapid eye
By day I hope to rapidly die
And have my organs laid on ice
Wait for somebody that would treat them right
And as the night started swallowing
You put the blood to my blue lips
Forced the life through still veins
Filled my heart with red again
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even in the blackout, I know
Living in colour, living in colour
I can see the paint on your toes
Living in colour
Even as I blackout, I know
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I love this band more than any other. Saw them at Bellahouston Park two weeks ago and I'm going to see them in December. This song really sticks out, in a good way, it's so unnaturally happy for Frightened Rabbit.
A few corrections though - I'm pretty sure it's "and with two steps I'm saved" not "and within two steps, I'm saved". I also think it's "weeks gone by, weak" or "weeks gone by, weeks" and not "Weak strong bands, weak". And I think it's "wait for somebody who will treat them right" not "Gave to somebody thatll treat them right".
Beautiful song about a new relationship bringing someone back to life.