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.
But there is no silence
My thoughts drowned out
(Screeching and grinding
Screeching and grinding
Screeching and grinding)
Resonates
Screeching and grinding
Resonates through a hollow shell
There is no great wisdom
There are no answers
I close my eyes, but all I see is red
I bite my tongue, but all I taste is blood
Once again they set their traps
Set their hooks, deep in my head
Too naive to think these forked tongues would themselves devour
I close my eyes, but all I see is red
I bite my tongue, but all I taste is blood
Once again they set their traps
Set their hooks, deep in my head
Too naive to think these forked tongues would themselves devour
Show me war
Show me pestilence
Show me the blood red hands of retribution
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
To break their hold
Strip the flesh straight from their bones
Cast their limbs into the gears of the beast
Bring this monstrosity to its knees
Cast their limbs into the gears of the beast
Bring this monstrosity to its fucking knees
Eye for an eye
Eye for an eye
Eye for an eye
Eye for an eye
I'll send this world blind
Show me war
Show me pestilence
Show me the blood red hands of retribution
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
Under a blackened sun
Beneath a hunter's moon
Seething
Dogs of war, they call for blood
But it will not be mine
Dogs of war, they call for blood
But it will not be mine
My thoughts drowned out
(Screeching and grinding
Screeching and grinding
Screeching and grinding)
Resonates
Screeching and grinding
Resonates through a hollow shell
There is no great wisdom
There are no answers
I close my eyes, but all I see is red
I bite my tongue, but all I taste is blood
Once again they set their traps
Set their hooks, deep in my head
Too naive to think these forked tongues would themselves devour
I close my eyes, but all I see is red
I bite my tongue, but all I taste is blood
Once again they set their traps
Set their hooks, deep in my head
Too naive to think these forked tongues would themselves devour
Show me war
Show me pestilence
Show me the blood red hands of retribution
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
To break their hold
Strip the flesh straight from their bones
Cast their limbs into the gears of the beast
Bring this monstrosity to its knees
Cast their limbs into the gears of the beast
Bring this monstrosity to its fucking knees
Eye for an eye
Eye for an eye
Eye for an eye
Eye for an eye
I'll send this world blind
Show me war
Show me pestilence
Show me the blood red hands of retribution
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
And the abyss stares back
Leviathan I
Under a blackened sun
Beneath a hunter's moon
Seething
Dogs of war, they call for blood
But it will not be mine
Dogs of war, they call for blood
But it will not be mine
Lyrics submitted by alien13, edited by BlueDiamondx3
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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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"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.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
This is his battle. He begins destroying everything the city is. "Bring this monstrosity to its knees."
Leviathan is defined as something large; referring to himself.
"Eye for an eye" - Payback.