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.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
(Genesis 1:1-3)
In the beginning
Was an entity all to himself
When nothing was dead or living
and earth was wholly bereft
[YAH]: “With my hands for all to see,
I'll paint my canvas blue and green,
and give it life that it may never fall from me
So everyday I'll hear it pray
of memories of yesterday
and live life more abundantly”
For a moment, all was peaceful
in the face of an endemic foe
But soon, we'd all be bleeding
and fall to the crimson of snow
[Lucifer]: “All the years I have served him
How could I be more disgraced?
For now the fear I failed to realize
has come as the human race
At His wake He’ll find them dead
I’ll paint this valley black and red
and bring to life a whole new kind of dread
So everyday I'll hear them pray
and beg to see the light of day
while I live out my fantasy”
[YAH]: “He knows his place
I know he won’t betray the one that made him
The one who gave him life
But inside myself, a sinking feeling grows
It’s one that cuts through joy just like a knife
I know my enemy
I watch him make his move
to prey upon the only dearest
I know they’ll wait for me,
see that it’s just a test,
and finally prove my wondering theory”
[Lucifer]: “This fruit I give you
Take it from my hands,
and show your God that you can do anything you want
You can trust me
I was one of His dearest friends,
but recently He has betrayed me
Take my fruit
Take it in your hands,
and show your God that I can do anything I want
Thought you could trust me?
Never thought that you’d give in,
and now I finally have my revenge”
[YAH]: “Why must you make me cry
and bring tears to my eyes?
You know I always loved you, my son
I guess this is goodbye
If only I could forgive you,
after an eternity”
[Lucifer]: “Well guess what? I don’t want forgiveness;
I want your kingdom for myself
And if I cannot have it for all the time I’ve known you,
I’ll never be yours again"
(Genesis 1:1-3)
In the beginning
Was an entity all to himself
When nothing was dead or living
and earth was wholly bereft
[YAH]: “With my hands for all to see,
I'll paint my canvas blue and green,
and give it life that it may never fall from me
So everyday I'll hear it pray
of memories of yesterday
and live life more abundantly”
For a moment, all was peaceful
in the face of an endemic foe
But soon, we'd all be bleeding
and fall to the crimson of snow
[Lucifer]: “All the years I have served him
How could I be more disgraced?
For now the fear I failed to realize
has come as the human race
At His wake He’ll find them dead
I’ll paint this valley black and red
and bring to life a whole new kind of dread
So everyday I'll hear them pray
and beg to see the light of day
while I live out my fantasy”
[YAH]: “He knows his place
I know he won’t betray the one that made him
The one who gave him life
But inside myself, a sinking feeling grows
It’s one that cuts through joy just like a knife
I know my enemy
I watch him make his move
to prey upon the only dearest
I know they’ll wait for me,
see that it’s just a test,
and finally prove my wondering theory”
[Lucifer]: “This fruit I give you
Take it from my hands,
and show your God that you can do anything you want
You can trust me
I was one of His dearest friends,
but recently He has betrayed me
Take my fruit
Take it in your hands,
and show your God that I can do anything I want
Thought you could trust me?
Never thought that you’d give in,
and now I finally have my revenge”
[YAH]: “Why must you make me cry
and bring tears to my eyes?
You know I always loved you, my son
I guess this is goodbye
If only I could forgive you,
after an eternity”
[Lucifer]: “Well guess what? I don’t want forgiveness;
I want your kingdom for myself
And if I cannot have it for all the time I’ve known you,
I’ll never be yours again"
Lyrics submitted by Octavarium64
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.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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.
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.