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 got my ways i've got my reasons i could sit for days and count the reasons why i like
to sit around and get high and waste my life away looks like another nervous breakdown i could suck
it in and turn another bottle down up late for the second time straight this week today listen to the
radio with my friends sitting on the left side listen to the radio with my friends sitting on the right side
waking up staring at the ceiling as i cling to you can't fight this feeling up late for the second time
straight this week today.
to sit around and get high and waste my life away looks like another nervous breakdown i could suck
it in and turn another bottle down up late for the second time straight this week today listen to the
radio with my friends sitting on the left side listen to the radio with my friends sitting on the right side
waking up staring at the ceiling as i cling to you can't fight this feeling up late for the second time
straight this week today.
Lyrics submitted by PLANES
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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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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.
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.
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,
i think the music works very well with the words in this song. it's kinda chaotic, and this song makes me think of... being at a weird point in your life, and waking up impatiently in the morning because you know it'll just be the same thing again.. in some ways it's the best time, but in some ways you're just so sick of it, but you can't find an end or a meaning to anything
hey i am lindsey, these lyrics are neat! I can totally relate to some of the things written in this song, the lyrics are awesome and i love it when people express things like this in a song... Jaaamm!!
very cool song
this song is just so amazingly fun, I can never get it out of my head, it's just great. HRC RULES!
I love this song..my first one I ever heard by HRC. I think it's just saying that he doesn't like the way his life is but he's gonna leave it because it's too much work to turn around what he's already done.
It's like the precursor to the pharmacist. I get the same kind of vibes. I listened to this song over and over when I first heard it.
I think this song describes what music can do to you to keep other problems in your life off your mind. When youve got a song in your head its definetly like a drug... it doesnt leave for quite awhile.
im sick of people relating to music, quit trying to be emo.
In my opinion, the entire purpose of music is to give people somthing to relate to and for the songwriter to express feelings/situations.
No way, i gotta disagree with everyone but devilonmyside, you dont have to relate to music, just turn the sterio up, kick back and take it easy. You dont always have to relate to something to enjoy it.