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.
The city slips away too soon
Tonight she's wide awake
Making small talk with Mr. Moon
Singing louder than the rain
On nights like these she can be herself
She forgets I'm there but it's just as well
I always feel like I'm by myself
And she never will, oh never will
She says she hates the fact that men can see
She wants to tear the eyes
out of everything
What makes her feel the way she feels
Like everything is nothing
What makes her see the things she sees
Like everything that's wrong with me
I guess I should stop trying to figure her out
I should know by now that I'm not allowed
Now I know this is not allowed
If I want to keep her coming 'round
She says she hates the fact that men can see
She wants to tear the eyes
out of every living thing
Oh God!
I grin
Does that include me... does that include...
She hides her reflection with pictures from magazines
She gets so angry when I don't see what she sees
But if I'm supposed to sit and watch her tear herself apart,
then maybe I was wrong
Maybe she never really knew me at all
Hello, hello
Did you find your self-esteem
Should I suppose that he's giving you what you need
And so it goes and slowly I begin to breathe
Hello, hello
I'm so sorry it wasn't me
The city slips away too soon
Tonight she's wide awake
Making small talk with Mr.Moon
He listens to everything she says and doesn't try to understand
Never expects to be let in
He just hangs on every word
That comes from the mouth of this little girl
Tonight she's wide awake
Making small talk with Mr. Moon
Singing louder than the rain
On nights like these she can be herself
She forgets I'm there but it's just as well
I always feel like I'm by myself
And she never will, oh never will
She says she hates the fact that men can see
She wants to tear the eyes
out of everything
What makes her feel the way she feels
Like everything is nothing
What makes her see the things she sees
Like everything that's wrong with me
I guess I should stop trying to figure her out
I should know by now that I'm not allowed
Now I know this is not allowed
If I want to keep her coming 'round
She says she hates the fact that men can see
She wants to tear the eyes
out of every living thing
Oh God!
I grin
Does that include me... does that include...
She hides her reflection with pictures from magazines
She gets so angry when I don't see what she sees
But if I'm supposed to sit and watch her tear herself apart,
then maybe I was wrong
Maybe she never really knew me at all
Hello, hello
Did you find your self-esteem
Should I suppose that he's giving you what you need
And so it goes and slowly I begin to breathe
Hello, hello
I'm so sorry it wasn't me
The city slips away too soon
Tonight she's wide awake
Making small talk with Mr.Moon
He listens to everything she says and doesn't try to understand
Never expects to be let in
He just hangs on every word
That comes from the mouth of this little girl
Lyrics submitted by 7_myshell_7
Esteem Lyrics as written by Alex Viveros Adam Powell
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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Great version of a great song,
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ok ill guess ill be the first to comment on this song...i dont think it really Needs a comment...it isnt that hard to figure out. it reminds me of a manga i read. basically this girl has some issues, like trust issues and maybe others. but the guy loves her anyway, and trys to help her. but she doesnt want help so she dumps him and finds someone else...i love the line "Im so sorry it wasnt me" i dunno why...its a nice line...