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.
what is one
thought another
who looks out
behind the eyes
of your lover
yours, a sight
i would drink in
in time
like a wick’s end
all that i have
you deepen
in the tunnel
by the bridge
held my breath
and from the silence
made a wish
for a time, our next hit
tonight, only this
for the light
toward the exit
allow me to follow
your lead in the dance
let only one step
carry me the distance
my only request
is simply your presence
for now... as it is
though the taste of it
is sweetest
when you’re on
your hands and knees
with the best, some bitter
let it breathe
here and now
i am alive
rising silent as the sun
from my horizon
i alone see your dawn
in the morning when
what rest will awaken
and vision is blurry
when we stumble
from the dream
when we finally see
behind the veil between
will the sight
of the truth free you
are you frightened
of who’ll see you
are you still in a hurry
thought another
who looks out
behind the eyes
of your lover
yours, a sight
i would drink in
in time
like a wick’s end
all that i have
you deepen
in the tunnel
by the bridge
held my breath
and from the silence
made a wish
for a time, our next hit
tonight, only this
for the light
toward the exit
allow me to follow
your lead in the dance
let only one step
carry me the distance
my only request
is simply your presence
for now... as it is
though the taste of it
is sweetest
when you’re on
your hands and knees
with the best, some bitter
let it breathe
here and now
i am alive
rising silent as the sun
from my horizon
i alone see your dawn
in the morning when
what rest will awaken
and vision is blurry
when we stumble
from the dream
when we finally see
behind the veil between
will the sight
of the truth free you
are you frightened
of who’ll see you
are you still in a hurry
Lyrics submitted by knightwriter
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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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