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.
Like shining oil, this night is dripping down
Stars are slipping down, glistening
And I'm trying not to think what I'm leaving now
No deceiving now, it's time you let me know
Let me know
[Chorus]
When the lights go out and we open our eyes,
Out there in the silence, I'll be gone, I'll be gone
Let the sun fade out and another one rise
Climbing through tomorrow, I'll be gone, I'll be gone
This air between us is getting thinner now
Into winter now, bittersweet
And 'cross that horizon this sun is setting down
You're forgetting now, it's time you let me go, let me go
[Chorus]
And tell them I couldn't help myself
And tell them I was alone
Oh, tell me I am the only one
And there's nothing left to stop me
[Chorus]
I'll be gone (I'll be gone)
Stars are slipping down, glistening
And I'm trying not to think what I'm leaving now
No deceiving now, it's time you let me know
Let me know
[Chorus]
When the lights go out and we open our eyes,
Out there in the silence, I'll be gone, I'll be gone
Let the sun fade out and another one rise
Climbing through tomorrow, I'll be gone, I'll be gone
This air between us is getting thinner now
Into winter now, bittersweet
And 'cross that horizon this sun is setting down
You're forgetting now, it's time you let me go, let me go
[Chorus]
And tell them I couldn't help myself
And tell them I was alone
Oh, tell me I am the only one
And there's nothing left to stop me
[Chorus]
I'll be gone (I'll be gone)
Lyrics submitted by MusicFREAK20, edited by serenityofashes
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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.
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The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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It's suicide, literal or figurative. Figurative in that it could also be about leaving everything behind.
I think it's about leaving things behind like @NightfallGemini say, either suicide or literally leaving all things behind. He talks about the world and space collapsing and falling apart. He's leaving and not looking back on what he's leaving. Maybe telling others to "OPEN THEIR EYES" he was ignored, but now that all falls apart and lights go out, he will have already escaped before everyone sees what he's talking about. I like how the references to suicide are paired with symbolism from a man who escapes before a horrible disaster hits. It's almost like he's comparing peoples attitudes towards him, to those of the people who mock the man who escapes before all goes wrong. He shows that once people "open their eyes" they will have nothing but silence from him, because he will be gone.
I completely agree with the two previous posters. I was going to say the same thing. Nice job on thinking about the disaster part ghostrp. I didn’t think about that one but it makes sense.
Linkin Park have the most beautiful and relatable lyrics and thhey're really underrated for it
And yet another song that reminds me of suicide. The lyrics are pretty complex and yet the meaning is clear. When everyone opens their eyes and it's a new morning and the sun is rising, he won't be there. As the seasons change, again he won't be there. Because he made the decision to take his own life for whatever reason, especially toward the end where he says "Tell them I couldn't help myself, tell them I was alone." He's pretty much saying that If anyone wants to know why I did this, tell them these reasons. Tell them that I had no reason to keep living and so I took it upon myself to end my own life. I mean, like I said, pretty blatant message.
Or on the not so depressing side of things, you could look at it as an appreciation for nature and the beauty of the world. Notice the imagery he uses when describing the night and then the morning when the sun rises and sets, and then when he talks about the changing of seasons. Perhaps he feels he has no place in such a world as this which he describes as beautiful and "bittersweet" so he takes himself out of it.
what is it about ? in one word :resilience