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.
Can't understand what is happening to me
This isn't real this is only a dream
But I never have felt, no, I never have felt this way before
I'm looking down on my body below
I lie asleep in the midst of a dream
Is it now could it be the Angel of Death has come for me
I can't believe that really my time has come
I don't feel ready there's so much left undone
And it's my soul and I'm not gonna let it get away
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
I have a lust for the Earth below
And Hell itself is my only foe
'Cause I've no fear of dying
Go when I'm good and ready
I snatch a glimpse of the lights eternal rays
I see a tunnel, I stand amazed
At all of the people standing there in front of me
Into the paths of rightness I'll be led
Is this the place where the living join the dead?
I wish I knew this was only just a nightmare
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Take my hand, I'll lead you to the promised land
Take my hand, I'll give you immortality
Eternal youth, I'll take you to the other side
To see the truth, the path for you is decided
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
My body tingles, I feel so strange
I feel so tired, I feel so drained
And I'm wondering if I'll ever be the same again
Is this in limbo or Heaven or Hell?
Maybe I'm going down there as well
I can't accept my soul will drift forever
I feel myself floating back down to Earth
So could this be the hour of my rebirth
Or have I died or will I wake from dreaming?
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
This isn't real this is only a dream
But I never have felt, no, I never have felt this way before
I'm looking down on my body below
I lie asleep in the midst of a dream
Is it now could it be the Angel of Death has come for me
I can't believe that really my time has come
I don't feel ready there's so much left undone
And it's my soul and I'm not gonna let it get away
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
I have a lust for the Earth below
And Hell itself is my only foe
'Cause I've no fear of dying
Go when I'm good and ready
I snatch a glimpse of the lights eternal rays
I see a tunnel, I stand amazed
At all of the people standing there in front of me
Into the paths of rightness I'll be led
Is this the place where the living join the dead?
I wish I knew this was only just a nightmare
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Take my hand, I'll lead you to the promised land
Take my hand, I'll give you immortality
Eternal youth, I'll take you to the other side
To see the truth, the path for you is decided
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
My body tingles, I feel so strange
I feel so tired, I feel so drained
And I'm wondering if I'll ever be the same again
Is this in limbo or Heaven or Hell?
Maybe I'm going down there as well
I can't accept my soul will drift forever
I feel myself floating back down to Earth
So could this be the hour of my rebirth
Or have I died or will I wake from dreaming?
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait
Heaven can wait 'til another day
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The slow electric guitar opening in this is great. I love how it picks up speed with the drums. This song is just one of the best on "Somewhere In Time". The chorus and the lyrics are superb, as are the vocals and guitar. Very sweezy.