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.
no one knows where the lone wolf sleeps
no one sees the hidden treasure in the castle keep
no one learns the secret name
no one burns in the absent flame
no one broke d.b. cooper’s fall
no one hopes to hear the bag man call
children piping in the main square
but no one’s dancing
no one’s dancing down there
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
no promise sweeter than a blood pact
nothing harder to go through with than a vanishing act
no morning colder than the first frost
no friends closer than the ones we’ve lost
nothing sharper than a serpent’s tooth
nothing harder than the gospel truth
though you repent and don sackcloth and try to make nice
you can’t cross the same river twice
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
there’s a club where you’d like to go
you could meet someone who’s lost like you
revel in the darkness like a pair of open graves
fumble through the fog for a season or two
no town more barren than our town
no haven safer than the one they tore down
no greater love than to lay my life down for a friend
no sweeter pleasure than to see the credits clear through to the end
no one knows where the lone wolf’s gone
no one sees him camped out right there on the front lawn
we played for you but you would not sing
no one was gonna get away with anything
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
no one sees the hidden treasure in the castle keep
no one learns the secret name
no one burns in the absent flame
no one broke d.b. cooper’s fall
no one hopes to hear the bag man call
children piping in the main square
but no one’s dancing
no one’s dancing down there
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
no promise sweeter than a blood pact
nothing harder to go through with than a vanishing act
no morning colder than the first frost
no friends closer than the ones we’ve lost
nothing sharper than a serpent’s tooth
nothing harder than the gospel truth
though you repent and don sackcloth and try to make nice
you can’t cross the same river twice
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
there’s a club where you’d like to go
you could meet someone who’s lost like you
revel in the darkness like a pair of open graves
fumble through the fog for a season or two
no town more barren than our town
no haven safer than the one they tore down
no greater love than to lay my life down for a friend
no sweeter pleasure than to see the credits clear through to the end
no one knows where the lone wolf’s gone
no one sees him camped out right there on the front lawn
we played for you but you would not sing
no one was gonna get away with anything
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
the river goes where the water flows
but no one knows when the batcave closed
Lyrics submitted by ameboid
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
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
Zero opinions. Speechless. Hilarious. This one has everyone scratching their head. Gother than Goth. Like a "serious" Weird Al Yankovic exaggeration/parody of Goth... Except being serious.