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.
Lazy was the last thing that he said, but at that point in the story we had lost the thread
We were all afraid he was describing us, his poison was exceptional, his rants could be contagious
Charlie was a drinker who came east, different from the northerners who'd learned to hide the beast
Though he'd never hit you there was always fear, when the man began his slide, no one could interfer
Old man since you've gone, I've moved on but I miss you
Thought you weren't kind, you could shine when you wanted to... Charlie and Annie
Annie was the woman about town, dark red curls, a body that her dress was built around
She could turn the head of any man she met, those who got her into bed were forever in her debt
Annie when you'd leave, I'd believe that you'd gone for good
You'd be a star without Charlie and motherhood...
Charlie and Annie
Charlie and Annie
Charlie and Annie... the saddest story ever told
Our life began in this household
We were all afraid he was describing us, his poison was exceptional, his rants could be contagious
Charlie was a drinker who came east, different from the northerners who'd learned to hide the beast
Though he'd never hit you there was always fear, when the man began his slide, no one could interfer
Old man since you've gone, I've moved on but I miss you
Thought you weren't kind, you could shine when you wanted to... Charlie and Annie
Annie was the woman about town, dark red curls, a body that her dress was built around
She could turn the head of any man she met, those who got her into bed were forever in her debt
Annie when you'd leave, I'd believe that you'd gone for good
You'd be a star without Charlie and motherhood...
Charlie and Annie
Charlie and Annie
Charlie and Annie... the saddest story ever told
Our life began in this household
Lyrics submitted by bubbatyrone
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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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