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.
I can't stand by
And see you destroyed
I can't be here
And watch you burn up
Lie for the moment
And lie as a decoy
Does it matter if I give in easy?
So why is it so hard to get by?
And I say we so down
But it's now or never, baby
We don't mind
If this don't last forever
See the light
But it won't last forever
Seize the time
'Cause it's now or never, baby
Let's leave at sunrise
Let's live by the ocean
I don't mind
If we never come home at all
Steal the morning
So set in motion
In and out of love
And institutions
'Cause I know
This can't last for long
And I say we so down
But it's now or never baby
We don't mind
If this don't last forever
See the light
But it won't last forever
Seize the time
'Cause it's now or never, baby
So why is it so hard to get by?
And I say
We so down
But this can't last forever
We don't mind
'Cause it's now or never, baby
And see you destroyed
I can't be here
And watch you burn up
Lie for the moment
And lie as a decoy
Does it matter if I give in easy?
So why is it so hard to get by?
And I say we so down
But it's now or never, baby
We don't mind
If this don't last forever
See the light
But it won't last forever
Seize the time
'Cause it's now or never, baby
Let's leave at sunrise
Let's live by the ocean
I don't mind
If we never come home at all
Steal the morning
So set in motion
In and out of love
And institutions
'Cause I know
This can't last for long
And I say we so down
But it's now or never baby
We don't mind
If this don't last forever
See the light
But it won't last forever
Seize the time
'Cause it's now or never, baby
So why is it so hard to get by?
And I say
We so down
But this can't last forever
We don't mind
'Cause it's now or never, baby
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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.
Probably the best song I've heard this year. I think songs represents lying in a relationship, and rather than confrontation about the issue, he's waiting to she if she'll come clean. The line "I don't mind / If we never come home at all" could be interpreted as a statement of "If you own up, it won't get us back to where we were but I'll happy with that anyway". Quality song.
It's about seizing the moment, escaping the paralysis of everyday life. Life can be crappy, so it's important to grab for the good times when they come along. They know these moments are fleeting, but they've come to terms with it.
@richeye I have tried to +1 this comment but it doesn't work.
This is like my life anthem, so when i heard the lyrics were made up about nothing i wondered what my life was about. Personaly, i think this song means a hell of a lot, and furthermore the doves kick ass.
No matter how the lyrics include feelings, this song has an independent spirit that makes me feel good. A mixture between sour and sweet. Really good guitar! As mainstreet said, probably one of the best songs of 2002.
I think this is the best song off the album but it's hard to say because the whole album is so dam good. I agree it is one of the best songs of the year. I also think Last Broadcast is the best album since OK Computer.
i love the beat to this song. its a great tune, great for a long car journey!
this is one of the best songs to come on in a club when im out.. its just so good and never bores anyone... and yes... the beat.. some might says it pounding....
awesome song, very underrated band.
This is my one of my favorite bands right now and this song is so amazing. I love these lines: "Let's leave at sunrise Let's live by the ocean I don't mind If we never come home at all" It really is freeing...
Last summer when I was in Italy I would listen to this song on almost every train I would ride on, the most perfect train travelling song I've ever heard.
Also, I love the seize the day message behind it, as it really makes you want to get up in the morning and have a kick ass day.