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.
I remember one Columbus Day,
When I was young and learned the world was round,
There didn't seem to be a lot to say,
But I had trouble keepin' both feet on the ground.
But now I stick to you,
I know just what to do,
I hold on.
I remember looking at the sky,
So thick and blue that I went tumblin' in,
Out the window, knowin' I could fly,
I flew as far as where the ground begins,
For you I'll use the door,
I don't do that anymore,
I hold on.
[Chorus]
All the black and blue,
That I stumble through for you
Will never show.
I have a simulated grace
To help me keep my place,
And never let you go..
I'll never let you go
If you could see the world the way I do,
With nothing keepin' up or keepin' time,
Your sense of self would tear your heart in two,
While you try to tell the world you're feelin fine,
Inside that's how I feel,
So I reach for something real,
And hold on.
[Chorus]
I might make these revelations
With the ghostly imitation of a smile.
It's the best that I can do,
And I'll do my best for you,
And hope it lasts for a while
When I was young and learned the world was round,
There didn't seem to be a lot to say,
But I had trouble keepin' both feet on the ground.
But now I stick to you,
I know just what to do,
I hold on.
I remember looking at the sky,
So thick and blue that I went tumblin' in,
Out the window, knowin' I could fly,
I flew as far as where the ground begins,
For you I'll use the door,
I don't do that anymore,
I hold on.
[Chorus]
All the black and blue,
That I stumble through for you
Will never show.
I have a simulated grace
To help me keep my place,
And never let you go..
I'll never let you go
If you could see the world the way I do,
With nothing keepin' up or keepin' time,
Your sense of self would tear your heart in two,
While you try to tell the world you're feelin fine,
Inside that's how I feel,
So I reach for something real,
And hold on.
[Chorus]
I might make these revelations
With the ghostly imitation of a smile.
It's the best that I can do,
And I'll do my best for you,
And hope it lasts for a while
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Hold On II Lyrics as written by Chris Smither
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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