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.
Silly childhood game - Uncle Wiggly
I cower in abject horror
Approaching space number 109
Home of the gaunt and haggard shell of the Skeezix
The emaciated figure
Harboring the greed of a thousand
Invading, thriving, ascaris whittles away
The self confidence of young minds
Casting doubt that they will
Ever reach the finish to see for themselves
The sagacious Uncle Wiggly
His mission now is complete
The arboreal king of misery and woe
Skeezix reposes high on a knotty forest crag
And the child still tries his best to
Stay into the game
But with insufficent, no volition
Plotted course of demolition
Goes through all the motions
Musing caveat emptor and
A predetermined failure
He draws a card and all his fears come true
Advance to 109
That's what you have to do
When Mr. Skeezix becomes Mr. Jones
Or you, or me
Just think of what that does to wreck
A child of two or three
They know and feel much more than
We will give them credit for
And all they want in life from you
Is love and nothing more
When painful eyes begin to cringe
When you walk through the door
Remember children are a gift of love
Sent from the Lord
I cower in abject horror
Approaching space number 109
Home of the gaunt and haggard shell of the Skeezix
The emaciated figure
Harboring the greed of a thousand
Invading, thriving, ascaris whittles away
The self confidence of young minds
Casting doubt that they will
Ever reach the finish to see for themselves
The sagacious Uncle Wiggly
His mission now is complete
The arboreal king of misery and woe
Skeezix reposes high on a knotty forest crag
And the child still tries his best to
Stay into the game
But with insufficent, no volition
Plotted course of demolition
Goes through all the motions
Musing caveat emptor and
A predetermined failure
He draws a card and all his fears come true
Advance to 109
That's what you have to do
When Mr. Skeezix becomes Mr. Jones
Or you, or me
Just think of what that does to wreck
A child of two or three
They know and feel much more than
We will give them credit for
And all they want in life from you
Is love and nothing more
When painful eyes begin to cringe
When you walk through the door
Remember children are a gift of love
Sent from the Lord
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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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this song is where i got my name from so being that i would use the kids name for my name, the song must rock. did that sound a little arrogant? my bad
ok what the song is about is child abuse. this kid is playing a board game called uncle wiggily. and on space number 109 is the dreaded Skeezix (did i say it was the kid earlier? my bad) anyways the kid pulls a card and moves to space 109 and faces the wrath of skeezix, which is the same wrath distibuted to him by his father.
This is a great song! Creepy intro >_>