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.
Hibiscus head-in a flower bed
A finger hewn-planted and sewn
Oh magic in her hands-she could make anything grow
Magic in her hands - she had green fingers
It's curious
Where animals don't go
Mandrake-rooted deep into the soil
Where the sun won't fall but it flourishes
See the pretty maids all in a row
[Chorus]
It's reaching
And groping a clammy handshake
Clawing the ivy
Crawling the tightrope along the lattice work
With this hand I thee wed
With this hand I thee bed
With this hand I
A finger hewn-planted and sewn
Oh magic in her hands-she could make anything grow
Magic in her hands - she had green fingers
It's curious
Where animals don't go
Mandrake-rooted deep into the soil
Where the sun won't fall but it flourishes
See the pretty maids all in a row
[Chorus]
It's reaching
And groping a clammy handshake
Clawing the ivy
Crawling the tightrope along the lattice work
With this hand I thee wed
With this hand I thee bed
With this hand I
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
This is from a Night Gallery episode called Green Fingers. Check out the synopsis on imdb: uk.imdb.com/title/tt0660808/plotsummary
Inspired by an episode of Rod Sterling’s Night Gallery with the title Green Fingers; A property developer wants to get his hands on the land owned by an old lady. He uses all the means at his disposal. What he doesn't know is that the lady in question has a strange affinity with plants. Another inspiration was the film Motel Hell; Farmer Vincent kidnaps unsuspecting travellers and is burying them in his garden. Unfortunately for his victims, they are not dead. He feeds his victims to prepare them for his roadside stand.
The power of the individual- "rooted" in nature- you make the world you live in.