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.
When I speak the words I repeat
Are lost within this roaring
And when I call your eyes turn to me
But what are they exploring ?
Hidden shapes that pass fast away
Upon the waters streaming
And what I see I just cannot say
There is no one to heed me
I could say that I am sorry
But what forgiveness lies before me ?
In the river
Those who know me know all too well
All my sins and failings
But brother dear, how could I tell ?
The course that I was sailing
In the flood, before my eyes
I see the face that I despise
In the river
It's mine, it's mine
Drifting far away
I can see you'rte not very strong
As the current sweeps you past me
Ans I can see your head going down
As helpless your cries find me
"Help me ! Save me ! Lend me a hand !
Pull me out ! Pull me out !
Save me ! Save me ! Give me your hand !
Pull me out ! Pull me out !"
I would save you, give my life
But it's already sacrificed
To the river
It's gone, it's gone
Drifitng far away
Mothers tell your children the truth
Don't hide the fate that's waiting
When you're born you start to drown
There's no help, no safety
First a gift of love is given
Then the winds rise, the sails are riven
On the river
Are lost within this roaring
And when I call your eyes turn to me
But what are they exploring ?
Hidden shapes that pass fast away
Upon the waters streaming
And what I see I just cannot say
There is no one to heed me
I could say that I am sorry
But what forgiveness lies before me ?
In the river
Those who know me know all too well
All my sins and failings
But brother dear, how could I tell ?
The course that I was sailing
In the flood, before my eyes
I see the face that I despise
In the river
It's mine, it's mine
Drifting far away
I can see you'rte not very strong
As the current sweeps you past me
Ans I can see your head going down
As helpless your cries find me
"Help me ! Save me ! Lend me a hand !
Pull me out ! Pull me out !
Save me ! Save me ! Give me your hand !
Pull me out ! Pull me out !"
I would save you, give my life
But it's already sacrificed
To the river
It's gone, it's gone
Drifitng far away
Mothers tell your children the truth
Don't hide the fate that's waiting
When you're born you start to drown
There's no help, no safety
First a gift of love is given
Then the winds rise, the sails are riven
On the river
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