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.
When I fell from grace
I never realized
How deep the flood was around me.
A man whose life was toil
Was like a kettle left to boil,
And the water left scars on me.
I know now who I am.
If only for a while,
I recognize the changes.
I feel like I did before the
Magic wore thin and the "baptism
Of stains" began.
They used to say I was
Nowhere, man,
Heading down
Was my destiny.
But yesterday, I swear,
That was someone else not me.
Here I stand at the crossroads edge,
Afraid to reach out for eternity,
One step, when I look down,
I see someone else not me.
Looking back and I see
Someone else.
All my life they said I
Was going down,
But I'm still standing,
Stronger, proud.
And today I know there's
So much more I can be.
From where I stand at the crossroads edge,
There's a path leading out to sea.
And from somewhere
Deep in my mind,
Sirens sing out loud
Songs of doubt
As only they know how.
But one glance back reminds, and I see,
Someone else not me.
I keep looking back
At someone else, me?
I never realized
How deep the flood was around me.
A man whose life was toil
Was like a kettle left to boil,
And the water left scars on me.
I know now who I am.
If only for a while,
I recognize the changes.
I feel like I did before the
Magic wore thin and the "baptism
Of stains" began.
They used to say I was
Nowhere, man,
Heading down
Was my destiny.
But yesterday, I swear,
That was someone else not me.
Here I stand at the crossroads edge,
Afraid to reach out for eternity,
One step, when I look down,
I see someone else not me.
Looking back and I see
Someone else.
All my life they said I
Was going down,
But I'm still standing,
Stronger, proud.
And today I know there's
So much more I can be.
From where I stand at the crossroads edge,
There's a path leading out to sea.
And from somewhere
Deep in my mind,
Sirens sing out loud
Songs of doubt
As only they know how.
But one glance back reminds, and I see,
Someone else not me.
I keep looking back
At someone else, me?
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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
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 song (along with 'Promised Land' and 'Damaged') is practically Geoff in a nutshell: After the success of 'Empire', his life fell apart - Fame, alcohol, divorce. Something snapped in his head and he realised just who he had become. Moreover, that this person was not him - it was someone else.