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.
A look of discontentement fills your hazel eyes
As I ask for the millionth time what's goin' on?
You seem to be confused about just where you stand with me tonight
As we tear apart all that wasn't lost to another fight
And so we turn against each other once again
Talkin' to myself again 'bout all the things I should've said
You run and I go hide
And I wait for you
I wanna know where this is going
I still wait for you
I made a promise to myself no to let this go
And do we still have a chance to save what we haven't lost again
But now I need to see this trough
To burn these paper walls of doubt
And so we turn against each other once again
You run and I go hide
Talkin' to myself again 'bout all the things I should've said
And I wait for you
I still wait for you
My fucked up head is spinning round
And all my toughts just keep me down
Here on your doorstep I'm drunk again
I know you're sick of all my shit
So tell me right now where do you stand?
And I know you wanna end all this
And I know your tired of all ma ways
I know you're tired of this waiting game
I know your tired of it all
Just tell me now
And do we still have a chance to save what we haven't lost inside
I wanna know where this is going
All these paper walls we build
Get in the way x2
And all the ashes that have spilled
And so we turn against each other once again
You run and I go hide
Talkin' to myself again 'bout all the things I should've said
I still wait for youAnd I wait for you
As I ask for the millionth time what's goin' on?
You seem to be confused about just where you stand with me tonight
As we tear apart all that wasn't lost to another fight
And so we turn against each other once again
Talkin' to myself again 'bout all the things I should've said
You run and I go hide
And I wait for you
I wanna know where this is going
I still wait for you
I made a promise to myself no to let this go
And do we still have a chance to save what we haven't lost again
But now I need to see this trough
To burn these paper walls of doubt
And so we turn against each other once again
You run and I go hide
Talkin' to myself again 'bout all the things I should've said
And I wait for you
I still wait for you
My fucked up head is spinning round
And all my toughts just keep me down
Here on your doorstep I'm drunk again
I know you're sick of all my shit
So tell me right now where do you stand?
And I know you wanna end all this
And I know your tired of all ma ways
I know you're tired of this waiting game
I know your tired of it all
Just tell me now
And do we still have a chance to save what we haven't lost inside
I wanna know where this is going
All these paper walls we build
Get in the way x2
And all the ashes that have spilled
And so we turn against each other once again
You run and I go hide
Talkin' to myself again 'bout all the things I should've said
I still wait for youAnd I wait for you
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
This song is bloody good. It would have to be one of Strung Out's best songs ever.
Without a doubt one of the best Strung Out songs. Their lyrics are so tight. Strung Out is definitely among the most talented punk bands ever. Between Rob Ramos' blaring guitar riffs, Jason Cruz's deep, heartfelt lyrics, and Jordan Burns' sonic drumbeats, this band is amazing.
reminds me of a relationship! dude! definitely their best!
Best song by strung out. Obviously. But saying that is one of the best punks ever is far away from the truth. Since is more to hardcore than punk
this one is about senseless arguements that couples have.. "inside all these paper walls" is referring to the "paper walls" that they build, they are paper because they can be burnt (ashes that have spilled).. some say that a few songs can be linked together on this album. paperwalls is obviously about the beginning of a relationship where the fights mean nothing and the walls that the couple build can be torn down easily. matchbook is like a part 2 to paperwalls, seing that matchbook is obviously about a break-up... just somethin to think about.