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.
Norma of the Ear sheared off
she keeps herself a heart so soft
too open, vulnerable to protect
a love too distant to connect
So I said goodbye, goodbye
to my only ever blues
I'm too far away, too far
to feel what she goes through
the television on my wall
a blow by blow of her downfall
what one could cut clean and give away
what one could cut clean and give away
And if I didn't know Norma's
heart for this as now- I would take
I'd take all the liberty she'd allow
Texas only kept me awake
another interest I won't fake
In a pond and sifting down
Norma is breathing in to drown
she keeps herself a heart so soft
too open, vulnerable to protect
a love too distant to connect
So I said goodbye, goodbye
to my only ever blues
I'm too far away, too far
to feel what she goes through
the television on my wall
a blow by blow of her downfall
what one could cut clean and give away
what one could cut clean and give away
And if I didn't know Norma's
heart for this as now- I would take
I'd take all the liberty she'd allow
Texas only kept me awake
another interest I won't fake
In a pond and sifting down
Norma is breathing in to drown
Lyrics submitted by PLANES
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.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.