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.
Hey, didn't it all go just like that?
Hey, didn't it all go just like that?
one day you're down, the next you alight
walking the avenues in the June dark
stepping out as the city ignites
and that look in your eyes as you spun me around
where has it gone? disappeared into the ether
faded with September and vanished with the winter
Watch for me when the leaves start falling
Watch for me and hear me calling
Watch for me through the tumult of the years
I will still be living inside of you my dear
rain rattles the cobblestones
there were kisses in taxi cabs going home
and late breakfasts on the roof
we stood against the burden of proof
its a funny thing how when you're weightless
gravity sneaks up on you
and it steals away with your only one
along with the roar of your youth
and you're walking like the ghost of a memory
down some treelined avenue
Just another anonymous man
checking into a roadside motel
just another blank stare on the bus
another beau who had lost his belle
it was so long gone, we were tender in our fashion
hey look at me in roughshod clothes
my face gone ashen
darling make your way and ill see you one bright day
best wishes for the future babe
fair play to you babe
watch for me down all the days, down all the years
i will still be living inside of you my dear
Hey, didn't it all go just like that?
one day you're down, the next you alight
walking the avenues in the June dark
stepping out as the city ignites
and that look in your eyes as you spun me around
where has it gone? disappeared into the ether
faded with September and vanished with the winter
Watch for me when the leaves start falling
Watch for me and hear me calling
Watch for me through the tumult of the years
I will still be living inside of you my dear
rain rattles the cobblestones
there were kisses in taxi cabs going home
and late breakfasts on the roof
we stood against the burden of proof
its a funny thing how when you're weightless
gravity sneaks up on you
and it steals away with your only one
along with the roar of your youth
and you're walking like the ghost of a memory
down some treelined avenue
Just another anonymous man
checking into a roadside motel
just another blank stare on the bus
another beau who had lost his belle
it was so long gone, we were tender in our fashion
hey look at me in roughshod clothes
my face gone ashen
darling make your way and ill see you one bright day
best wishes for the future babe
fair play to you babe
watch for me down all the days, down all the years
i will still be living inside of you my dear
Lyrics submitted by greeninoregon
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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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@[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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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,