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.
have you ever been so close
to your dream - your lifelong goal
then it ran away
out of your reach?
have you ever stood in tehs shadows
and wondered what you were doing
all because you were afraid to come out
because you had nobody?
THATS WHATS GOING THROUGH MY HEAD
DREAMS FLOATING IN SHADOWS
AND I CANT HELP IT
SO I SIT BACK AND WATCH
THEM FLOAT IN FRONT OF ME
have you ever woken up in the morning
so sad you already wanted to sleep again
in the darkness of your bedroom
where you dream your dreams?
have you ever left somebody
knowing there was a tear in their eye
and as soon as you turned your back
it would fall starting an avalanche? (chorus 2x)
have you ever loved so deeply
you felt physical pain when they were away
because they were your air you need
and they were the water you drink? (chorus 2x)
to your dream - your lifelong goal
then it ran away
out of your reach?
have you ever stood in tehs shadows
and wondered what you were doing
all because you were afraid to come out
because you had nobody?
THATS WHATS GOING THROUGH MY HEAD
DREAMS FLOATING IN SHADOWS
AND I CANT HELP IT
SO I SIT BACK AND WATCH
THEM FLOAT IN FRONT OF ME
have you ever woken up in the morning
so sad you already wanted to sleep again
in the darkness of your bedroom
where you dream your dreams?
have you ever left somebody
knowing there was a tear in their eye
and as soon as you turned your back
it would fall starting an avalanche? (chorus 2x)
have you ever loved so deeply
you felt physical pain when they were away
because they were your air you need
and they were the water you drink? (chorus 2x)
Lyrics submitted by kittieluver3
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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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i wrote this song as a letter to myself... dont ask why, it seemed like a good thing to do at the time