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.
Sitting on the front porch with my sweet Marilade
Working out expenses no honest man can pay
One is from the landlord; the bank done sent me two
And as for me, I know down deep what I got to do
Chorus:
Famine or Feast, I'm on my knees
Searchin for the answers to things I can't see
Times of Jubilation waiting for release
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
Things have happened lately; my car is in the shop
Riding on the cross-town; almost at the stop
Staring out the window into the night outside
I have to tell you honest now, I sat right there and cried
Chorus:
Famine or Feast, I'm on my knees
Searchin for the answers to things I can't see
Times of Jubilation waiting for release
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
Break:
You may say, time to pray is every now and then
I tell you twice, Jesus Christ
He no fair-weather friend, he's no fair-weathered friend
My best friend's a doctor, How he has been blessed
Drives a new Mercedes, and always has the best
But thursday nights you'll find us, studying God's word
We both have our reasons for praying to the Lord
Chorus:
Famine or Feast, I'm on my knees
Searchin for the answers to things I can't see
Times of Jubilation waiting for release
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
(2x)
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
Working out expenses no honest man can pay
One is from the landlord; the bank done sent me two
And as for me, I know down deep what I got to do
Chorus:
Famine or Feast, I'm on my knees
Searchin for the answers to things I can't see
Times of Jubilation waiting for release
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
Things have happened lately; my car is in the shop
Riding on the cross-town; almost at the stop
Staring out the window into the night outside
I have to tell you honest now, I sat right there and cried
Chorus:
Famine or Feast, I'm on my knees
Searchin for the answers to things I can't see
Times of Jubilation waiting for release
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
Break:
You may say, time to pray is every now and then
I tell you twice, Jesus Christ
He no fair-weather friend, he's no fair-weathered friend
My best friend's a doctor, How he has been blessed
Drives a new Mercedes, and always has the best
But thursday nights you'll find us, studying God's word
We both have our reasons for praying to the Lord
Chorus:
Famine or Feast, I'm on my knees
Searchin for the answers to things I can't see
Times of Jubilation waiting for release
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
(2x)
Time we all pray to the Lord
Famine or Feast
Lyrics submitted by Cecil4029
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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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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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Are the words "times of Jubilation"? or "times of Tribulation"?