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.
Our bed we live, our bed we sleep
Making love and I become you
Flesh is warm with naked feet
Stabbing thorns and you become me
Oh
I'd beg for you
Oh
You know I'll beg for you
Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine
Take a bath I'll drink the water that you leave
If you should die before me ask if you could bring a friend
Pick a flower hold your breath and drift away
She holds my hand, we share a laugh
Sipping orange blossom breezes
Love is still and sweat remains
A cherished gift unselfish feeling
Oh
I'd beg for you
Oh
You know I'll beg for you
Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine
Take a bath I'll drink the water that you leave
If you should die before me ask if you could bring a friend
Pick a flower hold your breath and drift away
She tells me things, I listen well
Drink the wine and save the water
Skin is smooth, I steal a glance
Dragon flies are gliding over
Oh
I'd beg for you
Oh
You know I'll beg for you
Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine
Take a bath I'll drink the water that you leave
If you should die before me ask if you could bring a friend
Pick a flower hold your breath and drift away
Making love and I become you
Flesh is warm with naked feet
Stabbing thorns and you become me
Oh
I'd beg for you
Oh
You know I'll beg for you
Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine
Take a bath I'll drink the water that you leave
If you should die before me ask if you could bring a friend
Pick a flower hold your breath and drift away
She holds my hand, we share a laugh
Sipping orange blossom breezes
Love is still and sweat remains
A cherished gift unselfish feeling
Oh
I'd beg for you
Oh
You know I'll beg for you
Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine
Take a bath I'll drink the water that you leave
If you should die before me ask if you could bring a friend
Pick a flower hold your breath and drift away
She tells me things, I listen well
Drink the wine and save the water
Skin is smooth, I steal a glance
Dragon flies are gliding over
Oh
I'd beg for you
Oh
You know I'll beg for you
Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine
Take a bath I'll drink the water that you leave
If you should die before me ask if you could bring a friend
Pick a flower hold your breath and drift away
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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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@Sour Girl thanks for your insight and opinion! Amazing lyrics, amazing voice, amazingly talented band. My favorite band when I was growing up in the 90's. I'm so glad I looked for the meaning of this song... the lyrics are so personal, sincere, and well written (qualities I think are missing in today's music). "Pick a song and sing a yellow nectarine" is the reason I looked this up. Maybe just a swap of sing a song and pick a yellow nectarine? Or maybe it's a personal inside joke or use of words between him and the girl that is not supposed to make sense to anyone else? Well that line is what originally brought me here. Another thing that's missing in today's lyrics (mystery). But I'm glad you shared your opinion, it makes a lot of sense. Very sad song, listening to it so soon after he passed away. One of my favorite lines and I think where the song meaning comes from is "love is still and sweat remains a cherished gift, unselfish feeling... oh I'd beg for you... oh, you know I'll beg for you". I agree with you, I think he is saying his love Still Remains and to him it's a cherished gift and unselfish feeling that will always remain with him.