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.
Yeah I got the music cranking, Japanese TV
My head is full of jasmine smoke
I can hardly breathe
Turquoise dragons slip and slide
Sliding down my back
I'm standing on this cold, thin ice
And I'm about to crack
I'm over
I'm over
Over the edge
Seven candles burn so bright
The full moon behind a veil
The ocean crashing in my head
Outside the sirens wail
Jet black is my dirty hair
Jet black my heart and car
My lips are red, my skin snow white
My face is battle scarred
I no longer feel the pain
No longer feel my love
Just the air conditioner
And some help from the Lord above
Coughing up pieces of my broken heart
My eyes work like radar
I'm lyin' in the afterglow
How'd I ever get this far
I'm over
I'm over
Over the edge
My head is full of jasmine smoke
I can hardly breathe
Turquoise dragons slip and slide
Sliding down my back
I'm standing on this cold, thin ice
And I'm about to crack
I'm over
I'm over
Over the edge
Seven candles burn so bright
The full moon behind a veil
The ocean crashing in my head
Outside the sirens wail
Jet black is my dirty hair
Jet black my heart and car
My lips are red, my skin snow white
My face is battle scarred
I no longer feel the pain
No longer feel my love
Just the air conditioner
And some help from the Lord above
Coughing up pieces of my broken heart
My eyes work like radar
I'm lyin' in the afterglow
How'd I ever get this far
I'm over
I'm over
Over the edge
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Over the Edge Lyrics as written by Brad Davis Bob Balch
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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@[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 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.
The song sounds like he's just had a problem with his relationship and is now isolating himself from the world with what he has at his house. Cranking his music and Japanese TV. He's smoking a lot to mellow himself out that he can barely breathe. He's still angry, through all the drugs "thin ice is about to crack" he's gotten in deeper that he intended "over the edge" and is now having hallucinations through his drugged daze. He keeps taking more until he no longer feels pain or love. The song is semi-reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" in the respect of drugs, melancholy and isolation.
Wait a second. This is L.A. Guns! Sorry, one night stand problem.