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.
Deep under the surface of your educated minds
There's a beast (roaming the punctures)
Looks like race persistence
Every day we see the regression
All (the man) just so sick
In a fortress of aggression
Who (get to proclaim) death
Every race and culture
(made us feel we're insecure)
But when we are in trouble
Law is out of (action)
Every day we see the regression
And it seems like all is lost
In a fortress of aggression
Who (always has been the) cost
It's the end of (mankind's union)
The reflection of our greed
As we rise we fall, do you wonder at all
All rain will come to an end
(knifes cut wounds) so deep
But we still want to deny
That we're just another creature
In the history of life
I believe in (just illusion)
Human is (the just distracts)
Now we come to this conclusion
There must be something deep under the surface
There's no trust and peace
Cause we (can deceit)
All (victory and daydream)
Look like race persistence
The end of (mankind's union)
The reflection of our greed
As we rise we fall, do you wonder at all
All rain will come to an end
(knifes cut wounds) so deep
But we still want to deny
That we're just another creature
In the history of life
There's a beast (roaming the punctures)
Looks like race persistence
Every day we see the regression
All (the man) just so sick
In a fortress of aggression
Who (get to proclaim) death
Every race and culture
(made us feel we're insecure)
But when we are in trouble
Law is out of (action)
Every day we see the regression
And it seems like all is lost
In a fortress of aggression
Who (always has been the) cost
It's the end of (mankind's union)
The reflection of our greed
As we rise we fall, do you wonder at all
All rain will come to an end
(knifes cut wounds) so deep
But we still want to deny
That we're just another creature
In the history of life
I believe in (just illusion)
Human is (the just distracts)
Now we come to this conclusion
There must be something deep under the surface
There's no trust and peace
Cause we (can deceit)
All (victory and daydream)
Look like race persistence
The end of (mankind's union)
The reflection of our greed
As we rise we fall, do you wonder at all
All rain will come to an end
(knifes cut wounds) so deep
But we still want to deny
That we're just another creature
In the history of life
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Under the Surface Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
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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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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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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.