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.
Light me on fire again
With the words you use from a friend
I won't say the things I'd like to say to you
I won't do the things I like to do
to you...
Light me on fire again
Take a breath, be happy, don't pretend
And I will say the things I'd like to say to you
And I'll do the things I've always dreamed to do
As you watch me drown
Take my life support away
Leave me on the ground
With the sun to kiss my face
You came to me at the worst time
And made the best time of my life
Unprepared, I fall over,
Every moment made
So speak to me, silently,
And blow my mind away
And I promise not to be so careless
And fall over every word you say
I am waiting on your next life
To come over me and take control
I am waiting lying over me...
As you watch me drown,
Take my life support away
Leave me on the ground
With the sun to kiss my face
As you watch me drown,
Take my life support away
And leave me on the ground
With the sun to kiss my face
And if I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you take control of me?
If I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you take control of me?
If I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you take control of me?
If I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you save me?
(Repeats and fades)
With the words you use from a friend
I won't say the things I'd like to say to you
I won't do the things I like to do
to you...
Light me on fire again
Take a breath, be happy, don't pretend
And I will say the things I'd like to say to you
And I'll do the things I've always dreamed to do
As you watch me drown
Take my life support away
Leave me on the ground
With the sun to kiss my face
You came to me at the worst time
And made the best time of my life
Unprepared, I fall over,
Every moment made
So speak to me, silently,
And blow my mind away
And I promise not to be so careless
And fall over every word you say
I am waiting on your next life
To come over me and take control
I am waiting lying over me...
As you watch me drown,
Take my life support away
Leave me on the ground
With the sun to kiss my face
As you watch me drown,
Take my life support away
And leave me on the ground
With the sun to kiss my face
And if I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you take control of me?
If I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you take control of me?
If I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you take control of me?
If I fall asleep at the wheel,
Will you save me?
(Repeats and fades)
Lyrics submitted by Destructedstar
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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