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.
I hold my breath
I hold my breath
i’ve my head above the water
i’ve my arms right by my side
I swear that i’m not drowning
i’ve been providing for this time
I swim through my conditions
integrate my train of thought
with emancipation
I am learning to tie kno-o-o-ots
vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…
I hold my breath
I hold my breath
for humanity’s sake
for the way we hold the space
for every color every race
for every palate that could taste
every breed who could mistake
what I have and what I waste
take take take, take more than you need
an unconscious thing
many have been silent
but I have come to sing
vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…
soon to exhale
soon to set sail
there are men who cast their nets
in search of purpose and respect
coming back with empty nests
forgotten all their privileges
I watch them pass on the sidewalk
gotta drink my coffee wrap my thoughts
check the weather check my watch
I’m waiting for the sun to drop
so I can start a fire
and signal all the plane
the world’s about to shift again
and we’ll never be the same
vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…
Bridge:
We ought to take things far more personal oh-oh
what do we stand for and is it salvageable
mm-mm-mm
He-oh-oh-oh, vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…etc…
I hold my breath
i’ve my head above the water
i’ve my arms right by my side
I swear that i’m not drowning
i’ve been providing for this time
I swim through my conditions
integrate my train of thought
with emancipation
I am learning to tie kno-o-o-ots
vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…
I hold my breath
I hold my breath
for humanity’s sake
for the way we hold the space
for every color every race
for every palate that could taste
every breed who could mistake
what I have and what I waste
take take take, take more than you need
an unconscious thing
many have been silent
but I have come to sing
vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…
soon to exhale
soon to set sail
there are men who cast their nets
in search of purpose and respect
coming back with empty nests
forgotten all their privileges
I watch them pass on the sidewalk
gotta drink my coffee wrap my thoughts
check the weather check my watch
I’m waiting for the sun to drop
so I can start a fire
and signal all the plane
the world’s about to shift again
and we’ll never be the same
vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…
Bridge:
We ought to take things far more personal oh-oh
what do we stand for and is it salvageable
mm-mm-mm
He-oh-oh-oh, vbo-vbo-vbo-vbo…etc…
Lyrics submitted by emrys12
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“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.
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.