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 spend all my time searching up and down
Looking for some other way
Every now and then I will turn around
Just to find that it's a new day
Why am I afraid to be standing here
Turning my face to the wall
How can I believe that you're really there
When I don't even know you at all
I'll keep trying to make it through
No matter what you say
I'm a fool who still loves you
Bring me a brighter day
Oh there's something sad about it baby
I take it slow
But then everyday I get in my own way
That's how it goes
My heart wants to follow you everywhere
But I try to draw the line
I'm standing in the shade of a blue affair
Hoping it will work out in time
Baby all I want from you is a simple chance
Just enough time to explore
We could put an end to this song and dance
It doesn't have to be such a chore
In this world full of danger
All we can do is try
Maybe we won't be strangers
Keep my love alive
Oh there's something sad about it baby
I take it slow
But then everyday I get in my own way
That's how it goes
Deep in the night I dream we're together
Nothing can do me wrong
But then I wake up and find you're really no there
Like a singer without a song
Oh there's something sad about it baby
I take it slow
But then everyday I get in my own way
That's how it goes
Oh there's something sad about it baby...
Looking for some other way
Every now and then I will turn around
Just to find that it's a new day
Why am I afraid to be standing here
Turning my face to the wall
How can I believe that you're really there
When I don't even know you at all
I'll keep trying to make it through
No matter what you say
I'm a fool who still loves you
Bring me a brighter day
Oh there's something sad about it baby
I take it slow
But then everyday I get in my own way
That's how it goes
My heart wants to follow you everywhere
But I try to draw the line
I'm standing in the shade of a blue affair
Hoping it will work out in time
Baby all I want from you is a simple chance
Just enough time to explore
We could put an end to this song and dance
It doesn't have to be such a chore
In this world full of danger
All we can do is try
Maybe we won't be strangers
Keep my love alive
Oh there's something sad about it baby
I take it slow
But then everyday I get in my own way
That's how it goes
Deep in the night I dream we're together
Nothing can do me wrong
But then I wake up and find you're really no there
Like a singer without a song
Oh there's something sad about it baby
I take it slow
But then everyday I get in my own way
That's how it goes
Oh there's something sad about it baby...
Lyrics submitted by Nicky
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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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“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.