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 are, we are
How cold is the heart
My world is on fire
How deep is the mark
When you leave and your dreams turn to water
I let myself feel
I'm wishing for something real
We are, we are
Chasing a shadow
We are, we are
Lost in the shame
You try to hide only to reach out
It's too late
With a smile you move on
Every fear left unspoken
There was hope
Now it's gone
So believe there is love in the open
You just have to let go and turn into something real
We are, we are
Chasing a shadow
We are, we are
Lost in the shame
You try to hide only to reach out
It's too late
Break the shade
See your hate
Black flames
No names
Who are you?
We are, we are
Chasing a shadow
We are, we are
Lost in the shame
You try to hide only to reach out
It's too late
How cold is the heart
My world is on fire
How deep is the mark
When you leave and your dreams turn to water
I let myself feel
I'm wishing for something real
We are, we are
Chasing a shadow
We are, we are
Lost in the shame
You try to hide only to reach out
It's too late
With a smile you move on
Every fear left unspoken
There was hope
Now it's gone
So believe there is love in the open
You just have to let go and turn into something real
We are, we are
Chasing a shadow
We are, we are
Lost in the shame
You try to hide only to reach out
It's too late
Break the shade
See your hate
Black flames
No names
Who are you?
We are, we are
Chasing a shadow
We are, we are
Lost in the shame
You try to hide only to reach out
It's too late
Lyrics submitted by EpicNight13
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Pretty sure this is about the fear of death – particularly about thinking/not thinking about death.