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.
Here he lies before me
My friend for many years
He saved me from the water
Now I'm drowning in my tears
Grief is but a poor word for everything I feel
There can be no greater love
He was there to guide me through the follies of my age
Always there beside me everything forgave
Held me as a father showing me the way
There can be no greater love
No fear did he have before the storm
The fate of others was his only thought
And though it was the way to certain darkness
To save my life he gave his own
For my life he gave his own
And these words are writ in stone where he lies
"greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend"
"greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend"
"greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend."
My friend for many years
He saved me from the water
Now I'm drowning in my tears
Grief is but a poor word for everything I feel
There can be no greater love
He was there to guide me through the follies of my age
Always there beside me everything forgave
Held me as a father showing me the way
There can be no greater love
No fear did he have before the storm
The fate of others was his only thought
And though it was the way to certain darkness
To save my life he gave his own
For my life he gave his own
And these words are writ in stone where he lies
"greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend"
"greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend"
"greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend."
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Greater Love Lyrics as written by Chris De Burgh
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.