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.
One more midnight, her man is still goneG C GThe nights move too slowG C She tries to remember the heat of his touchC G D GWhile listening to the Border RadioShe calls toll-free and requests an old songSomething they used to knowShe prays to herself that wherever he is,He's listening to the Border Radiochorus: C"This song comes from nineteen sixty-twoCDedicated to a man who's goneCFifty thousand watts out of MexicoG D GThis is the Border RadioG D GThis is the Border Radio"She thinks of her son, asleep in his roomAnd how her man won't see him growShe thinks of her life and she hopes for a changeWhile listening to the Border Radio(repeat chorus)They play her tune but she can't concentrateShe wonders why he had to goOne more night and her man is still goneShe's listening to the Border Radio(chorus)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Border Radio Lyrics as written by Dave Alvin
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
No comments on Border Radio? 1 comment on the entire Blasters board. Damn...even in this day and age of mass discovery and appreciation of cult bands long ago, seems nobody cares about The Blasters STILL.!?
Ok, maybe the '50s RnR/R&B can grate when listening to them over the course of 2 entire CDs (the length of the Slash Records Anthology), but the great songs are as good as anything from the early 80s. Marie Marie, So Long Baby Goodbye, I'm Shakin', One Bad Stud (from Streets Of Fire OST), Colored Lights...
Border Radio is the tops, though, a tale of heartbreak, love, a fatherless child, desperation and hope, crammed into less than three minutes, some great Dave Alvin guitar work, and great vocals from Phil. And wonderful, tight songwriting. The band, as always, is just as tight as a banjo string.
I could suggest at least a half dozen songs you'll never tire of, even for Blasters newbies, but start small, go hear Border Radio NOW, and you'll ask What's Next. This may be their best, but see my small list above and go from there. If you don't, you're only cheating yourself.