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.
Could be clear black and white
Make a decision
Got a need inside and I don't know why
It's a strong feeling that grows and grows
One day, my life is out the door
Next day, you show me what it's for
One day, I think I know myself
Next day, you leave me on the shelf
New moment goes like this
Never forbidden
There's nothing to stop
The thief on time, stealing
The hours that keep you away
It rushes through my veins
Straight to my head
My mind is a planet
For you to roam
This is only just the start
It's the beginning
There's nothing to stop
The thief of time
Stealing the hours
That keep you away
One day, my life is out the door
Next day, you show me what it's for
One day, I think I know myself
Next day, you leave me on the shelf
In this house I call home
Living together
Got a need inside
And I don't know why
It's a strong
Feeling and it grows and grows
One day, my life is out the door
Next day, you show me what it's for
One day, I think I know myself
Next day, you leave me on the shelf
This is only just the start
It's the beginning
New moment goes like this
Never forbidden
Could be clear black and white
Make a decision
Make a decision
Got a need inside and I don't know why
It's a strong feeling that grows and grows
One day, my life is out the door
Next day, you show me what it's for
One day, I think I know myself
Next day, you leave me on the shelf
New moment goes like this
Never forbidden
There's nothing to stop
The thief on time, stealing
The hours that keep you away
It rushes through my veins
Straight to my head
My mind is a planet
For you to roam
This is only just the start
It's the beginning
There's nothing to stop
The thief of time
Stealing the hours
That keep you away
One day, my life is out the door
Next day, you show me what it's for
One day, I think I know myself
Next day, you leave me on the shelf
In this house I call home
Living together
Got a need inside
And I don't know why
It's a strong
Feeling and it grows and grows
One day, my life is out the door
Next day, you show me what it's for
One day, I think I know myself
Next day, you leave me on the shelf
This is only just the start
It's the beginning
New moment goes like this
Never forbidden
Could be clear black and white
Make a decision
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Black and White Lyrics as written by Michael Hutchence Andrew Charles Farriss
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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.
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.
Just a really great melody sung with verve and style. The music is gritty, propulsive and catchy, too. I'm not sure 100% what the lyric concerns, but it's definitely got something to do with our needs and/or desires and the indecision/inability to quench them. Either way, it's a rockin' song that is totally cool