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.
We used to get high together, instead of getting high alone.
I can't remember the last time I saw you.
I can't remember the last time we talked.
You left home for a fresh start,
Working as a waitress down in Bradenton.
With my name tattoo'd into your skin.
Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?
I watched your mother bury you today, with tears in her eyes.
It wasn't her words that shook me, it was the resemblance you shared.
Don't it feel so detached and unreal? Don't it seem so far away?
Like the past never happened, or like nothings ever changed.
With your casket open in front of me,
Your eyes closed and your lips silent.
With my name tattoo'd into your skin.
Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?
I watched your mother bury you today, with tears in her eyes.
It wasn't her words that shook me, it was the resemblance you shared.
I didn't listen to the preacher.
I couldn't look your husband in the eyes.
I'm not sure what I meant to you then,
So I'm not sure what I owe you now.
But if something I said hurt you
I swear it was not my intention.
With your name tattoo'd into my skin.
Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?
I watched your mother bury you today, with tears in her eyes.
It wasn't her words that shook me, it was the resemblance you shared.
I can't remember the last time I saw you.
I can't remember the last time we talked.
You left home for a fresh start,
Working as a waitress down in Bradenton.
With my name tattoo'd into your skin.
Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?
I watched your mother bury you today, with tears in her eyes.
It wasn't her words that shook me, it was the resemblance you shared.
Don't it feel so detached and unreal? Don't it seem so far away?
Like the past never happened, or like nothings ever changed.
With your casket open in front of me,
Your eyes closed and your lips silent.
With my name tattoo'd into your skin.
Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?
I watched your mother bury you today, with tears in her eyes.
It wasn't her words that shook me, it was the resemblance you shared.
I didn't listen to the preacher.
I couldn't look your husband in the eyes.
I'm not sure what I meant to you then,
So I'm not sure what I owe you now.
But if something I said hurt you
I swear it was not my intention.
With your name tattoo'd into my skin.
Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?
I watched your mother bury you today, with tears in her eyes.
It wasn't her words that shook me, it was the resemblance you shared.
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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.
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Mountain Song
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Amazing
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
"With your name tattooed into my skin"
My best friend and big sister passed away last May suddenly from a massive congenital heart attack at 31. At the time, she had a very tense relationship with much of her family because she, like Laura Jane, was trans (as am I). In a remarkable way, her death brought them all back together and closer than ever in a way her life couldn't have.
This song is definitely one of my sob triggers, because it brings so many memories flooding back, and they're all the worst ones. I still remember the way she looked in her casket, and I cannot begin to express the pain that image brings back to me. Her mother was already in something of a fragile state of health, and seeing her just drove a stake into my heart, as she had been my friend's biggest cheerleader, and had immediately and unequivocally accepted her as her daughter. For as much as she has suffered, her mother has always taken time to comfort me as well, and I know so well why my friend loved her so strongly.
My friend loved butterflies so much that they have become the symbol for her among her friends and families. When she passed, I knew immediately what I wanted, and I went that week and got a tattoo of a blue butterfly heading up to the stars, with her name in a beautiful script underneath it.
I miss you, my love, and I wish I could talk to you just once more.
I'm so sorry for your loss, my father passed away almost a year ago and this song means a lot to me as well.
Thanks, denevil. Likewise, my sympathies on your loss. I pray my father has many more healthy and happy years in his life, because I know I'll completely lose it when he passes.