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.
Idle hands may be the devil's work
Unbridled minds you see are so much worse
Too much pity spent and wasting time
Irresponsibility not my only crime
Obsessive thinking, depressed drinking
The person I once was, he's dead
Exhume the past this time or be my last
This is my final quest to remove my mask
Don't be afraid as she pulled down the shade
Said there's nothing to fear but the monster is here
So just tell me the time, be it quarter of nine
Since the sun's gone away, now the creature will play
Ice blue eyes follow me everywhere I go
Making my heart appear as lead
I hate to wish it but I'll tell you though
That I'm quite ready 'cause I'm already dead
Unbridled minds you see are so much worse
Too much pity spent and wasting time
Irresponsibility not my only crime
Obsessive thinking, depressed drinking
The person I once was, he's dead
Exhume the past this time or be my last
This is my final quest to remove my mask
Don't be afraid as she pulled down the shade
Said there's nothing to fear but the monster is here
So just tell me the time, be it quarter of nine
Since the sun's gone away, now the creature will play
Ice blue eyes follow me everywhere I go
Making my heart appear as lead
I hate to wish it but I'll tell you though
That I'm quite ready 'cause I'm already dead
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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.
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“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.
One of my favorites by far
whys it called 13 black rainbows?
13s for bad luck the dongs about his childhood scares so theres the black for fear and the rainbows for youth, or at least beign a wee kid you know wat i mean :P
The Jambo
song is*
^But it's called 12 Black Rainbows... And, I believe in the second line it is supposed to be "but idle" not "unbridled", as the term "idle hands" was used in the previous line...at any rate, this song seems to be about someone who is depressed and suicidal because of some past experience that is vaguely explained. "She" seems like a mother who is addressing a child (the narrator), and the line "there's nothing to fear but the monster is here" might be referring to the mother comforting the child, saying that there are no monsters to get you at night, yet the narrator knows that what will hurt him is inside, either the house (family trauma) or inside himself. The person speaking in the other verses is, I believe, the narrator grown up and fully consumed by that darkness.
maybe freakishfae...maybe...and jambo might be right too (except for the '13' part, its 12 lol) good song though, good song...
It sounds to me like the narrator died and now is involved with a demon woman. The creature and monster from the chorus are both the woman that is saying the lines, and same for the icy blue eyes from the last verse. He's already dead so it makes sense. Maybe she's the devil, and he's her playground?
Where can I find this song? I MUST KNOW!
It's on Least Worst Of.
I like the line about the time being quater of nine. On a clock face that would make the O Negative symbol.