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.
Dear, oh dear, what a sorry state we're in.
We brought the battle, we saw the signs,
We've found ourselves two steps behind.
I'm counting days like they're running out.
There's ghosts in the water, so pray for drought.
(pray for drought)
This time there's nowhere to hide.
We're facing the firing squad side by side.
1986. This is full relapse.
Our latest apocalypse.
This is colony collapse.
Give us the rope and we'll tie our own noose.
We truly believed all we touched turned to gold.
We were warned but we wouldn't be told.
I'm counting days like they're running out.
There's ghosts in the water, so pray for drought.
This time there's nowhere to hide.
We're facing the firing squad side by side.
They said the ocean's on fire.
Say it isn't true.
Say it isn't true.
The truth never hurt so much.
Can we start anew? Can we start anew?
1986. This is full relapse.
Our latest apocalypse. This is colony collapse.
Colony collapse.
Dear, oh dear, what a sorry state we're in.
Dear, oh dear, what a sorry state we're in.
They said the ocean's on fire.
Say it isn't true.
Say it isn't true.
The truth never hurt so much.
Can we start anew? Can we start anew?
This time there's nowhere to hide.
We're facing the firing squad side by side.
They said the ocean's on fire.
Say it isn't true.
Say it isn't true.
The truth never hurt so much.
Can we start anew? Can we start anew?
1986. This is full relapse.
Our latest apocalypse.
This is colony collapse.
We brought the battle, we saw the signs,
We've found ourselves two steps behind.
I'm counting days like they're running out.
There's ghosts in the water, so pray for drought.
(pray for drought)
This time there's nowhere to hide.
We're facing the firing squad side by side.
1986. This is full relapse.
Our latest apocalypse.
This is colony collapse.
Give us the rope and we'll tie our own noose.
We truly believed all we touched turned to gold.
We were warned but we wouldn't be told.
I'm counting days like they're running out.
There's ghosts in the water, so pray for drought.
This time there's nowhere to hide.
We're facing the firing squad side by side.
They said the ocean's on fire.
Say it isn't true.
Say it isn't true.
The truth never hurt so much.
Can we start anew? Can we start anew?
1986. This is full relapse.
Our latest apocalypse. This is colony collapse.
Colony collapse.
Dear, oh dear, what a sorry state we're in.
Dear, oh dear, what a sorry state we're in.
They said the ocean's on fire.
Say it isn't true.
Say it isn't true.
The truth never hurt so much.
Can we start anew? Can we start anew?
This time there's nowhere to hide.
We're facing the firing squad side by side.
They said the ocean's on fire.
Say it isn't true.
Say it isn't true.
The truth never hurt so much.
Can we start anew? Can we start anew?
1986. This is full relapse.
Our latest apocalypse.
This is colony collapse.
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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 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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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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