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.
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
Lyrics submitted by itsmyownmind
Ripple Lyrics as written by Robert C. Hunter Jerome J. Garcia
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The first line asks questions about what is it about music ( and the strange attraction of the Dead) that reaches people- it's not superficial or obvious,not the singer ,or the instrument, But what makes it seem alive? Why does it touch someone ?The 2nd line It'sa hand me down,the thoughts are broken Means there is something the singer ,and listeners recieve that's been passed down,and the source is unknown. The singer questions wether he shoudl even pass this on ,but loves the music and so throws caution to the wind. The chorus says that there is something invisible that moves through the water,the song life,This seem sto suggest spiritual force. Reach out your hand if your cup is empty-ask and it shall be added unto you,if your cup is full may it be again,The singer wishes well to all but takes no responsibility-the fountain of life and abundance was not made by humans There is a road...between the dark and the dark of night-Between birth and death we each have our own path ,our own life. If you lead ,must follow,among other things implies that the leader is dependent on the followers,and should serve them. if you should fall,your followers will abandon you, I fyou shoudl stand-how will you know where to lead-It suggests caution abotu being willing to play the role of leader. The last line ,If I knew the way ,I wold take you home,says.among other thinsg the singer is not playing the role of leader,doesn't claim to have knowlegde about these mysterires ,but does express good will toward the listener. Garica in a nut shell. He wishes all well ,he shares the beauty and abundance he finds He makes no claim to mastery,wishes all well on their personal journey of life. The chorus sugessts the experience of spiritual forces as the source of life beauty and abundance.But the singer seems to say-there's mystery here the ripple in still ater -What will you make of it?