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.
There's a note underneath your front door
That I wrote twenty years ago
Yellow paper and a faded picture
And a secret, in an envelope
There's no reasons
No excuses
There's no secondhand alibis
Just some black ink, on some blue lines
And a shadow, you won't recognize
Mmm
Mmm
And if it means I'll be waiting twenty years
And twenty more
I'll be praying for redemption
And your note, underneath my door
And your note underneath my door
That I wrote twenty years ago
Yellow paper and a faded picture
And a secret, in an envelope
There's no reasons
No excuses
There's no secondhand alibis
Just some black ink, on some blue lines
And a shadow, you won't recognize
Mmm
Mmm
And if it means I'll be waiting twenty years
And twenty more
I'll be praying for redemption
And your note, underneath my door
And your note underneath my door
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher, edited by MelTheMP449
20 Years Lyrics as written by John White Joy Williams
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I've pondered this and thought maybe it was a love song, but it didn't quite make sense. Now I think it might be about someone who gave their child up for adoption. It would make sense in the time frame they are referring to and an old note with a picture of the mother and child, or something along those lines. I would think the mom was too young to have the child, or ashamed, or whatever the situation. And now she is saying how there is no excuse for what she did, and maybe that note has her reasoning and apology. And that's why this person would be "praying for redemption" because she feels bad for abandoning her child. Also, waiting 20 years for a reply and possibly 20 more if the child never wants to have a relationship with her. However, I could be wrong. I love the mystery behind the song, I think it adds so much to it and it's definitely beautiful.