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'm closer to the golden dawn
I can't believe the wagon's gone
It's history
I'm living in a callous realm
Where others seem to dig it
Just too much reality
I'm frightened by the total goal
I'm drawing to the ragged hole
And I ain't got the wagon anymore
No, I ain't got the wagon anymore
I'm the twisted name on uma's eyes
I'm living proof of cindy's lies
Of destiny
I'm drawing between the light and dark
Where others see their targets
I can't see anything
Should I leave the engine on
To listen to that mountain song
Sinking in the quicksand of my thoughts
And I ain't got the wagon anymore
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Not too stable
Hanging by a string
Can't face the thoughts
No wheels will bring
I gotta go
It's bad enough being at home
Without a way to leave the damage
Is gonna show
If I don't explain
What you oughta know
You can tell me all about it
At the next ball show
I'm sinking in the quicksand of my thoughts
And I ain't got the power anymore
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
I can't believe the wagon's gone
It's history
I'm living in a callous realm
Where others seem to dig it
Just too much reality
I'm frightened by the total goal
I'm drawing to the ragged hole
And I ain't got the wagon anymore
No, I ain't got the wagon anymore
I'm the twisted name on uma's eyes
I'm living proof of cindy's lies
Of destiny
I'm drawing between the light and dark
Where others see their targets
I can't see anything
Should I leave the engine on
To listen to that mountain song
Sinking in the quicksand of my thoughts
And I ain't got the wagon anymore
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Not too stable
Hanging by a string
Can't face the thoughts
No wheels will bring
I gotta go
It's bad enough being at home
Without a way to leave the damage
Is gonna show
If I don't explain
What you oughta know
You can tell me all about it
At the next ball show
I'm sinking in the quicksand of my thoughts
And I ain't got the power anymore
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
The knowledge comes with death's release
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Lyrics submitted by ShiverForMe
Quicksand Lyrics as written by Joseph Mascis Jr.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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Bowie Cover!! This is a song about how you sometimes need to escape from your problems, otherwise they will overwhelm you..