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.
Welcome and spin your Hollywood
In the backyard with his friend on the telephone
The town right then is cooler than down
You're the one that turns it around
It's high and lost, forget about them
And this sound
Yeah, it's this sound
Wear a bell that Saturday makes
If you've got what it takes then fate'll come around
With that wish and crying thing
Get yourself to a super town
Who cares who's gone?
It's like palm tree sickness hit home
James Taylor's on, through this pipeline
feels real good
Flashing like rhythm, more than you could
Imagine if it happens to you
And ask me if it lasts
Yesterday's home cut in half
Good night you sleep, it'll be a heavy drive back east
In the backyard with his friend on the telephone
The town right then is cooler than down
You're the one that turns it around
It's high and lost, forget about them
And this sound
Yeah, it's this sound
Wear a bell that Saturday makes
If you've got what it takes then fate'll come around
With that wish and crying thing
Get yourself to a super town
Who cares who's gone?
It's like palm tree sickness hit home
James Taylor's on, through this pipeline
feels real good
Flashing like rhythm, more than you could
Imagine if it happens to you
And ask me if it lasts
Yesterday's home cut in half
Good night you sleep, it'll be a heavy drive back east
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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.
Blue
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“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.
American Town
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.