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.
Oh tonight I will retire
To the arms of my lover
The sweetest kiss she will give
As I lay down beside her
What will she think
When she awakes
Just to find I have left here
Oh tonight I will retire
To these hands with revolver
And I don't fear death
I will commit
Like an old friend I've known forever
So come on in, take me on
No I won't stay here no longer
And if I should taste fire
Save me not, I deserve to die
And oh tonight I will retire
To loving arms of my savior
And we will walk through his gates
To the skies of Heaven
And no more tears will I cry
Are my sins, are they forgiven
And if I should taste fire
Save me not, I deserve to die
To the arms of my lover
The sweetest kiss she will give
As I lay down beside her
What will she think
When she awakes
Just to find I have left here
Oh tonight I will retire
To these hands with revolver
And I don't fear death
I will commit
Like an old friend I've known forever
So come on in, take me on
No I won't stay here no longer
And if I should taste fire
Save me not, I deserve to die
And oh tonight I will retire
To loving arms of my savior
And we will walk through his gates
To the skies of Heaven
And no more tears will I cry
Are my sins, are they forgiven
And if I should taste fire
Save me not, I deserve to die
Lyrics submitted by DesignedToHide
Tonight I Will Retire Lyrics as written by Damien Jurado
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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,
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Awsome song!! did you guys know that David from Pedro The Lion Did the piano and drums on that song? Makes it even better!