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.
We are the outstretched fingers
That seize and hold the wind
The strangeness of awakening
In an oh so silent world
Breathlessly waiting
For the first proud beams of light
As the hours grow longer
And the shadows never fall
My sky has forsaken me
My desperation grows
Bring me the light
In the darkness that never ends
The dawn will never come
Punish my heaven
We have arrived
At the outermost crossroads
The charge of cosmos
At our atmospheric skies
Will cause our fall
If I had wings, would I be forgiving?
If I had horns
Would there be flames to shy my smile?
Hymns of loss are heard
From the masses in the streets
Praising the last of days
I punish
Bring me the night
In the fires that never end
The dawn will never come
Punish my heaven
The charge of cosmos
Charging at us from unearthly distance
I challenge the universe
It's the choice between heaven and hell
My soul bears all the weight of mountains
As mankind weaves its silent end
Can there be no forgiveness?
I curse the heaven above me
As the light sinks through
My outstretched fingers
Fading in my open arms
Make each tear in my bare hands
A lifetime in hell
On this last day of light
When our autumn leaves fell
And as heaven itself commands me
Out of its lair
My face lined with darkness I'll go!
That seize and hold the wind
The strangeness of awakening
In an oh so silent world
Breathlessly waiting
For the first proud beams of light
As the hours grow longer
And the shadows never fall
My sky has forsaken me
My desperation grows
Bring me the light
In the darkness that never ends
The dawn will never come
Punish my heaven
We have arrived
At the outermost crossroads
The charge of cosmos
At our atmospheric skies
Will cause our fall
If I had wings, would I be forgiving?
If I had horns
Would there be flames to shy my smile?
Hymns of loss are heard
From the masses in the streets
Praising the last of days
I punish
Bring me the night
In the fires that never end
The dawn will never come
Punish my heaven
The charge of cosmos
Charging at us from unearthly distance
I challenge the universe
It's the choice between heaven and hell
My soul bears all the weight of mountains
As mankind weaves its silent end
Can there be no forgiveness?
I curse the heaven above me
As the light sinks through
My outstretched fingers
Fading in my open arms
Make each tear in my bare hands
A lifetime in hell
On this last day of light
When our autumn leaves fell
And as heaven itself commands me
Out of its lair
My face lined with darkness I'll go!
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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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
I love the end : My face lined with darkness I'll go!