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.
Swells high
As we slip through the waves
Feel space
Silver walls on each side
Leading up and above
Down
I am down
'Cause below the surge
I can follow this tide
I know
Water bends at the light
Touching down
I've arrived
I know
I've got to come up
I don't have to come up
I'm not fading at all
But our words feel gray
I can try and get strong if you're feeling this shy
'Cause the end of the day gathers cold towards our home
My strength drifts in tides,
'Cause I'm feeling your pain
Like it's my own
And you're always complaining
He's getting old
I'm not fading at all
And I see how I've changed
I'm not always as wise as I thought at times
Seems I'm not so strong with a hand to my side
As she asks to my face, "Is it really a change if you're not sure?"
Can you really engage when you're not sure?
And maybe you've changed
It gets you home
As we slip through the waves
Feel space
Silver walls on each side
Leading up and above
Down
I am down
'Cause below the surge
I can follow this tide
I know
Water bends at the light
Touching down
I've arrived
I know
I've got to come up
I don't have to come up
I'm not fading at all
But our words feel gray
I can try and get strong if you're feeling this shy
'Cause the end of the day gathers cold towards our home
My strength drifts in tides,
'Cause I'm feeling your pain
Like it's my own
And you're always complaining
He's getting old
I'm not fading at all
And I see how I've changed
I'm not always as wise as I thought at times
Seems I'm not so strong with a hand to my side
As she asks to my face, "Is it really a change if you're not sure?"
Can you really engage when you're not sure?
And maybe you've changed
It gets you home
Lyrics submitted by plenusmerdae
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Little did I know of Deakin's true talents...i look forward to hearing more of his stuff (be it with AC or not).
I particularly like the line "Is it really a change if you're not sure?"..it seems to prove that change is the only thing left unchanged, since being not sure of something is a capricious/whimsical mood that is often susceptible to change itself. thats probably not what Deakin meant at all, but the last lines (which were really the only ones i could make out on the first listen) just made me think of impermanence. song seems to be about some relationship or something...i really do not know. but anywho, my ears are happy.
wow. i love panda and avey's solo work, perhaps deakin is next. especially if it is well put together as this song. it's sort of like a mix of avey/panda, but i hear his style clearly. is there anything they put out now that doesn't sound like gold? i'm glad he made this, i'm looking forward to more deakin influenced songs!