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.
Give me the wheel
So we can move a little faster
I make it real
I'm not a glorious disaster
What part of living says you gotta die?
I plan on burning through another nine lives
One more for measure, that's ten for the soul
That never sleeps, so are you ready to go?
Bloodshot against the clear blue sky
Tick tock, I think the well is running dry
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
Dead scared cause I'm fearless in the head
Bang, bang 'cause the needle's in the red
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, my sweet adrenaline
Crack in the vision
Who said the motivation's all wrong?
Not your decision
The detonation of a time bomb
Which way is up
When your high is low?
It's time to find it
Are you ready to go?
Bloodshot against the clear blue sky
Tick tock, I think the well is running dry
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
Dead scared cause I'm fearless in the head
Bang, bang 'cause the needle's in the red
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, my sweet adrenaline
My, my, I just can't lie
It's the speed and the sound that I'm dying to try
My, my, I just can't lie
It's the love of the chase that created the ride
Bloodshot against the clear blue sky
Tick tock, I think the well is running dry
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
Dead scared cause I'm fearless in the head
Bang, bang 'cause the needle's in the red
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, my sweet adrenaline
My, my, (my, my) I can't lie (can't lie)
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, (my, my) my sweet adrenaline
So we can move a little faster
I make it real
I'm not a glorious disaster
What part of living says you gotta die?
I plan on burning through another nine lives
One more for measure, that's ten for the soul
That never sleeps, so are you ready to go?
Bloodshot against the clear blue sky
Tick tock, I think the well is running dry
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
Dead scared cause I'm fearless in the head
Bang, bang 'cause the needle's in the red
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, my sweet adrenaline
Crack in the vision
Who said the motivation's all wrong?
Not your decision
The detonation of a time bomb
Which way is up
When your high is low?
It's time to find it
Are you ready to go?
Bloodshot against the clear blue sky
Tick tock, I think the well is running dry
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
Dead scared cause I'm fearless in the head
Bang, bang 'cause the needle's in the red
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, my sweet adrenaline
My, my, I just can't lie
It's the speed and the sound that I'm dying to try
My, my, I just can't lie
It's the love of the chase that created the ride
Bloodshot against the clear blue sky
Tick tock, I think the well is running dry
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
Dead scared cause I'm fearless in the head
Bang, bang 'cause the needle's in the red
My, my, I can't lie
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, my sweet adrenaline
My, my, (my, my) I can't lie (can't lie)
I need a shot again, that sweet adrenaline
My, my, (my, my) my sweet adrenaline
Lyrics submitted by MusicFREAK20, edited by shinedownfan45, LuisRosario, Shadowbrook, anna133287
Adrenaline Lyrics as written by Dave Bassett Brent Smith
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
Uh just cause he's sober doesn't mean he can't be writing about past experiences. The song is undoubtedly about at the very least. I/ving cocaine possibly even speedballing. Its pretty obvious if you actually pay attention to what is being said.