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.
The oceans are drying, children stop crying
We're trying, we're dying to leave this island to you
No recovery, each day's a terrible discovery
Under the wound they cover me, is this true
What do you want me to want
Something that means something
What do you want me to want
You don't have a clue, do you
The cities are stinking, now keep quiet I'm thinking
I'm linking this unthinking ritual to you
No recovery, and all these sins don't bother me
Under the skin another me, which is you
A cry from venus, I know she's above and between us
She's been with us, seen with us, dreamed of us too
No recovery, I wish this earth could mother me
I hope these skies don't smother me, just like you do
We're trying, we're dying to leave this island to you
No recovery, each day's a terrible discovery
Under the wound they cover me, is this true
What do you want me to want
Something that means something
What do you want me to want
You don't have a clue, do you
The cities are stinking, now keep quiet I'm thinking
I'm linking this unthinking ritual to you
No recovery, and all these sins don't bother me
Under the skin another me, which is you
A cry from venus, I know she's above and between us
She's been with us, seen with us, dreamed of us too
No recovery, I wish this earth could mother me
I hope these skies don't smother me, just like you do
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Something That Means Something Lyrics as written by Steve Kilbey
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.