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.
“Gratification is delayed”
I heard it as a drove away
so I’ll go count my blessings for a while
I know it’s gonna take a little time
to get my manic streak in line
and find a blend of temperance and style
I live but I never learn
so I take some overtime to find some money to burn
I’m another dog out looking for the day
Ignorant bliss is a curse I’m sure
so I get wise and dirty, not so pretty or pure
I’d rather get roughed up to get my way
So I get roughed up and sing
about the joy that I’m gonna bring
As a person in limbo
I’m a man in progress
I’m another guy involved in all the things that I think I want
but right now I could use –
right now I won’t abuse it –
right now I could use a confidant
Children these days drink red wine
to find their glory in designing
methods to perfect and to integrate
A bloody bird, a curse in flight
taking wing so that he might
ascend earn a profit share, to find a mate
ain’t it great?
He lives but he never learns
he takes his overtime to find some money to burn
another a dog out looking for the day
Ignorant bliss is a curse I’m sure
so I stay wise and dirty, not so pretty or pure
I’d rather get roughed up to get my way
So I get roughed up and sing
about the joy that I’m gonna bring
As a person in limbo
I’m a man in progress
I’m another guy involved in all the things that I think I want
but right now I could use –
right now I won’t abuse it –
right now I could use a
square peg, round hole
unwieldy soul
with enough sandpaper your gonna fit just fine
square peg, round hole
unwieldy soul
with enough sandpaper, enough cement
with enough elbow-grease, and enough regret
you’re gonna fit just—
you’re gonna fit. just. fine
I live but I never learn
so I take some overtime to find some money to burn
I’m another dog out looking for the day
Ignorant bliss is a curse I’m sure
so I get wise and dirty, not so pretty or pure
I’d rather get roughed up to get my way
So I get roughed up and sing
about the joy that I’m gonna bring
As a person in limbo
I’m just a man in progress
I’m another guy involved in all the things that I think I want
but right now I could use –
right now I won’t abuse it –
right now I could use a confidant
“Gratification is delayed”
I heard it as a drove away
so I’ll go count my blessings for a while
I heard it as a drove away
so I’ll go count my blessings for a while
I know it’s gonna take a little time
to get my manic streak in line
and find a blend of temperance and style
I live but I never learn
so I take some overtime to find some money to burn
I’m another dog out looking for the day
Ignorant bliss is a curse I’m sure
so I get wise and dirty, not so pretty or pure
I’d rather get roughed up to get my way
So I get roughed up and sing
about the joy that I’m gonna bring
As a person in limbo
I’m a man in progress
I’m another guy involved in all the things that I think I want
but right now I could use –
right now I won’t abuse it –
right now I could use a confidant
Children these days drink red wine
to find their glory in designing
methods to perfect and to integrate
A bloody bird, a curse in flight
taking wing so that he might
ascend earn a profit share, to find a mate
ain’t it great?
He lives but he never learns
he takes his overtime to find some money to burn
another a dog out looking for the day
Ignorant bliss is a curse I’m sure
so I stay wise and dirty, not so pretty or pure
I’d rather get roughed up to get my way
So I get roughed up and sing
about the joy that I’m gonna bring
As a person in limbo
I’m a man in progress
I’m another guy involved in all the things that I think I want
but right now I could use –
right now I won’t abuse it –
right now I could use a
square peg, round hole
unwieldy soul
with enough sandpaper your gonna fit just fine
square peg, round hole
unwieldy soul
with enough sandpaper, enough cement
with enough elbow-grease, and enough regret
you’re gonna fit just—
you’re gonna fit. just. fine
I live but I never learn
so I take some overtime to find some money to burn
I’m another dog out looking for the day
Ignorant bliss is a curse I’m sure
so I get wise and dirty, not so pretty or pure
I’d rather get roughed up to get my way
So I get roughed up and sing
about the joy that I’m gonna bring
As a person in limbo
I’m just a man in progress
I’m another guy involved in all the things that I think I want
but right now I could use –
right now I won’t abuse it –
right now I could use a confidant
“Gratification is delayed”
I heard it as a drove away
so I’ll go count my blessings for a while
Lyrics submitted by tristanrichards
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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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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Bee Gees
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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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Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.