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.
So, it was to be a colony for cunts.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay.
Oh, what a tale I tell
They thought that they had me for raising Hell
I never raised no Hell
Nor did I rebel
They told me they knew me well
I said "you've made a mistake, you've got the wrong man",
and screamed as they cuffed my hands,
but they pushed me, hooded me into the back of a plane
deprived of my senses and locked in chains.
They asked me again and again
until I could barely remember my name
what part I played
but its hard to play
To seem less dangerous, I admit,
I named some total strangers.
I'm ashamed to say it, but I think I'll say what they want me to say.
And I know there's a freedom that's still in me,
but they've taken all I have away.
And the torture they do,
well it's killing me,
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape.
Oh, somewhere my name was put on a list,
that's left me feeling the weight of your fists.
Apparently I'm the risk,
Worst of the worst.
Where is the lawyer in this,
let alone trial.
Just give me some sleep.
Night the same ones
weep and dream of home across the seas
away from wherever this may be.
And I know there's a freedom that's still in me,
but they've taken all I have away.
And the torture they do,
well it's killing me,
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay.
Swept up in your net,
I didn't forget
I never knew
I wasn't there,
Months turned to years,
and I turned to despair.
Man, I'm sorry I blinked.
It could've been me that put you in the drink.
I did'nt have time to think what they're doing,
divide and ruin
Maybe I spoke too soon,
a lapse in judgement,
but what they're doing to me is beyond repugnant.
At least i know I could never do that,
so let's not talk of judgement.
And I know there's a freedom that's still in me,
but they've taken all I have away.
And the torture they do,
well it's killing me,
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Conditions in Botany Bay.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay.
Oh, what a tale I tell
They thought that they had me for raising Hell
I never raised no Hell
Nor did I rebel
They told me they knew me well
I said "you've made a mistake, you've got the wrong man",
and screamed as they cuffed my hands,
but they pushed me, hooded me into the back of a plane
deprived of my senses and locked in chains.
They asked me again and again
until I could barely remember my name
what part I played
but its hard to play
To seem less dangerous, I admit,
I named some total strangers.
I'm ashamed to say it, but I think I'll say what they want me to say.
And I know there's a freedom that's still in me,
but they've taken all I have away.
And the torture they do,
well it's killing me,
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape.
Oh, somewhere my name was put on a list,
that's left me feeling the weight of your fists.
Apparently I'm the risk,
Worst of the worst.
Where is the lawyer in this,
let alone trial.
Just give me some sleep.
Night the same ones
weep and dream of home across the seas
away from wherever this may be.
And I know there's a freedom that's still in me,
but they've taken all I have away.
And the torture they do,
well it's killing me,
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay.
Swept up in your net,
I didn't forget
I never knew
I wasn't there,
Months turned to years,
and I turned to despair.
Man, I'm sorry I blinked.
It could've been me that put you in the drink.
I did'nt have time to think what they're doing,
divide and ruin
Maybe I spoke too soon,
a lapse in judgement,
but what they're doing to me is beyond repugnant.
At least i know I could never do that,
so let's not talk of judgement.
And I know there's a freedom that's still in me,
but they've taken all I have away.
And the torture they do,
well it's killing me,
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay.
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Singing toorali-oorali-ay
Singing toorali-oorali-addity
Conditions in Botany Bay.
Lyrics submitted by BanachTarski
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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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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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"'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."
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I mean it could be literally about the old days when England sent convicts to Australia but I think its more relevant to today.