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.
why must we speak
with such a phosphorus tongue
we're never satisfied
with things that we've done
we carry dreams
that we have all but weighed
we're fighting sleep
in a bed that we've made
you lay your head down on a cannon
filled with powder and demanding
everyone to truly love you
and ignite the fuse
you fill their minds up with the notion
of explosions their emotions
fill an ocean twice dried
from bad commotion
All you need is finally on the table
I can't believe the rate you sink
or that you're able
you sold your soul
and made a hole
lost every chance of coming home
you burned your notes
and kept a goal
to never learn more than you know
so i tried
a plan to hide
in buried thoughts in my mind
Its what you hold
when you're alone
that keeps your self from losing hope
why must we speak
with such a vigorous rage
they keep all teeth and claws
safe in a cage
we carry dreams
that we have all but weighed
we're fighting sleep
in a bed that we've made
your nervous hand brings page to pen
the crooked words, the ink within,
a sudden change, where to begin,
this could make or break you kid
go on make your mother proud
looks like you have finally sold out
its just a waiting game for now
when all you need
is finally on the table
I can't believe the rate you sink
or that you're able
am i doing this for all the wrong reasons
I get more money
just long as you keep singing along
with such a phosphorus tongue
we're never satisfied
with things that we've done
we carry dreams
that we have all but weighed
we're fighting sleep
in a bed that we've made
you lay your head down on a cannon
filled with powder and demanding
everyone to truly love you
and ignite the fuse
you fill their minds up with the notion
of explosions their emotions
fill an ocean twice dried
from bad commotion
All you need is finally on the table
I can't believe the rate you sink
or that you're able
you sold your soul
and made a hole
lost every chance of coming home
you burned your notes
and kept a goal
to never learn more than you know
so i tried
a plan to hide
in buried thoughts in my mind
Its what you hold
when you're alone
that keeps your self from losing hope
why must we speak
with such a vigorous rage
they keep all teeth and claws
safe in a cage
we carry dreams
that we have all but weighed
we're fighting sleep
in a bed that we've made
your nervous hand brings page to pen
the crooked words, the ink within,
a sudden change, where to begin,
this could make or break you kid
go on make your mother proud
looks like you have finally sold out
its just a waiting game for now
when all you need
is finally on the table
I can't believe the rate you sink
or that you're able
am i doing this for all the wrong reasons
I get more money
just long as you keep singing along
Lyrics submitted by HoldYourMistakeUP
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
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.