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.
She's pulling out the pin
That lets her hair fall down
She shakes her head and
It goes tumbling
Her smile was out of place
So she swept it off her face
Let me find the words and say them
Like some softly whispered Amen
As she starts to pull away
And the lights begin to dim
Is she thinking of me
Or is she thinking of him
She's pulling out the pin
She's slipping off the hook
Unbuttoning her dress
There's just enough to make some man a mess
She tears away the veil
With her fingernails
She came out high and kicking
While the band played "Hey good looking"
Do you hear something ticking
Did somebody tell her
You can really be redeemed
Could she actually be
As desperate as she seems
She's tearing at the seams
She's going to extremes
Nobody told her it was a sin
So she's pulling out the pin
She's taping up her hands
Just as a boxer will
They started laughing
But if looks could kill
She'd take them down right now
She's covering her mouth
With someone or without
There's nothing more to say
This is her wedding day
Full of shattered glass and mayhem
Not one softly whispered amen
She's knocking down some doors
And the smoke begins to fill
Where the world without her ends
And the next one begins
She's pulling out the pin
That lets her hair fall down
She shakes her head and
It goes tumbling
Her smile was out of place
So she swept it off her face
Let me find the words and say them
Like some softly whispered Amen
As she starts to pull away
And the lights begin to dim
Is she thinking of me
Or is she thinking of him
She's pulling out the pin
She's slipping off the hook
Unbuttoning her dress
There's just enough to make some man a mess
She tears away the veil
With her fingernails
She came out high and kicking
While the band played "Hey good looking"
Do you hear something ticking
Did somebody tell her
You can really be redeemed
Could she actually be
As desperate as she seems
She's tearing at the seams
She's going to extremes
Nobody told her it was a sin
So she's pulling out the pin
She's taping up her hands
Just as a boxer will
They started laughing
But if looks could kill
She'd take them down right now
She's covering her mouth
With someone or without
There's nothing more to say
This is her wedding day
Full of shattered glass and mayhem
Not one softly whispered amen
She's knocking down some doors
And the smoke begins to fill
Where the world without her ends
And the next one begins
She's pulling out the pin
Lyrics submitted by BassGrl127, edited by Dorsetbear, Sylvanus
She's Pulling Out The Pin Lyrics as written by Evlis Costello
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think this song is about someone who has fallen in love with a woman who is somewhat mysterious and has a bit of a front - "inside her shell" "No-one's allowed to see them when they cry" and he is intrigued by her.
The first few verses are him weighing up the pros and cons - she could be bad for him, leave him emotionally scarred, but she could also be the best thing in his life - There is no way for him to be sure and the front she has on makes it difficult for him to work her out. He realises there are emotional risks for him to become involved with her despite how special he thinks she is.
The last verse I think shows his decision - He's decided that she could be the one , "The reason I survive" and the love of his life, and that she's worth the risk. He loves her despite the fact she has a front and he is willing to be there for her "laughter and tears" and make them his "souvenirs" (I.e. treasure every moment, even if it isn't happy) Very beautiful optimistic song and one I think many people could relate to.
This song is my last hope.. =(... i hope it work..i love that girl..i dont wanna loose her ..=(
absolutely beautiful song. there really isnt much more else to say but that,
This was the only good part of the movie ' Notting Hill' ...too bad it's supposed to be Julia Roberts. It is a very romantic song.
'she' is absolutely gorgeous! Far better than the more popular 'i want you' if you ask me.
This song makes me cry! So nice!
Sweet sweet sweet song. Very very very nice. It's really deep, and I'm too young to quite understand all the deepness, but nevertheless, an excellent song.
yea agree with every1!! it is a really lovely song!! its so nice!! he has an amazing voice!! he is brilliant!!! well done!!! n thanks 4 this song!!!
We are all aware that this is a Charles Aznavour song, yes?
Yes Indeed, Charles Aznavour was the original artist. One of the top 10 french singers that is for sure. THe thing is, he wanted to express his songs to a wider audience, so he translated some of his greatest hits into english with mixed results ("Hier encore" became "Yesterday, when I was young", La boheme was made in english). Not only did it'S french audience boohed him, but he had no success at all. So I think if I recall correctly that this was his only original english composition that really had any success whatsoever.
And I like the Elvis Costello interpretation much better. It cannot touch Aznavour's usual french lyrics from his famous songs, but Aznavour clearly showed here that he could write beautiful english rhymes. In his original interpretation, Azvavour is very cold, he seems not at ease with the recording, it was really missed. He is not a great english singer, period.
However, Elvis Costello made it good. I like his style. Sure it's not going to be a beautiful melody, but his unique style made the song a hit, and I like his. Anyway, Aznavour also recorded She, so you can listen to his version and compare if you feel like it.