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.
See her face shine in the moonlight--
Soft as silk and white as cream,
Silently I watch her slumber--gently kiss her cheek,
Then I lay my weary head beside hers--close my eyes and dream.
In the morning she'll awake--
Cast off the night and shine like summer,
As she dances all about me she sparkles like a stream,
Her hair is full of meadowsweet--she's wrapped in leafy green.
On bended knee before you with tears in my eyes,
I pledge that till my dying day my sword is on your side--
Forever on your side.
And I love you more than life--
I swear that you mean everything to me,
Everything I'd sacrifice--
If my lady you would favour me.
Far brighter than the stars your smile,
You hold the richest sunset in those eyes--
You are England.
Fear not lady I'll defend you--
In your cause lay down my life,
When 'concrete dragons' threaten they shall see my mettle gleam,
And die if they should try to steal your cloak of leafy green.
Of all the things worth dying for--
None sweeter have I seen,
Than the rose that is my England--
In her cloak of leafy green.
Soft as silk and white as cream,
Silently I watch her slumber--gently kiss her cheek,
Then I lay my weary head beside hers--close my eyes and dream.
In the morning she'll awake--
Cast off the night and shine like summer,
As she dances all about me she sparkles like a stream,
Her hair is full of meadowsweet--she's wrapped in leafy green.
On bended knee before you with tears in my eyes,
I pledge that till my dying day my sword is on your side--
Forever on your side.
And I love you more than life--
I swear that you mean everything to me,
Everything I'd sacrifice--
If my lady you would favour me.
Far brighter than the stars your smile,
You hold the richest sunset in those eyes--
You are England.
Fear not lady I'll defend you--
In your cause lay down my life,
When 'concrete dragons' threaten they shall see my mettle gleam,
And die if they should try to steal your cloak of leafy green.
Of all the things worth dying for--
None sweeter have I seen,
Than the rose that is my England--
In her cloak of leafy green.
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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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@[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.
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How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Page
Ed Sheeran
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
The imagery is fantastic.