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.
They left with clothes in disarray
and her on the bed 15 that day
they got her drunk
they never apolagized
she kept her mouth shut the way girls should
tried to decide just where she stood
and i was the only one to see the glowing anger in her eyes
i still wonder what went through her mind
think she was sick to death of trying to keep quiet
and she bought a box of matches cause this flame was growing brighter every night
and she took this as a sign
that life was gonna be like this
they get their way you watch it
she's not the first and she's probably not the last
then three more girls talked
killed any doubt that she hasd any choice about
a little light inside that told her it was time to take revenge
and it was almost time
when the first spark flew i'd like to think she smiled and she carried that torch cause the stale smell of
and her on the bed 15 that day
they got her drunk
they never apolagized
she kept her mouth shut the way girls should
tried to decide just where she stood
and i was the only one to see the glowing anger in her eyes
i still wonder what went through her mind
think she was sick to death of trying to keep quiet
and she bought a box of matches cause this flame was growing brighter every night
and she took this as a sign
that life was gonna be like this
they get their way you watch it
she's not the first and she's probably not the last
then three more girls talked
killed any doubt that she hasd any choice about
a little light inside that told her it was time to take revenge
and it was almost time
when the first spark flew i'd like to think she smiled and she carried that torch cause the stale smell of
Lyrics submitted by bitterpixie
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.
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
this girls voice is amazing. i just heard this on the no-fi trash comp. im definately going to have to try and find some of the other stuff by sarge. im a sucker for female vocalists.