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.
They're all still on their honeymoon
Just read the dialogue balloon
Everyone loves you--why should they not?
And I'm the only one who knows
That Disneyland's about to close
I don't suppose you'd give it a shot
Knowing all that you've got
Are cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby,
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines,
With my hands tied,
Watching the show
Well, it's always fun and games until
It's clear you haven't got the skill
In keeping the gag from going too far
So you're running 'round the parking lot
Til every lightning bug is caught
Punching some pinholes in the lid of a jar
While we wait in the car
With cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby,
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines,
With my hands tied,
Watching the show
And tell me, would it kill you
Would it really spoil everything
If you didn't blame yourself
Do you know what I mean?
Cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby,
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines,
With my hands tied,
Watching the show
Watching the show
Just read the dialogue balloon
Everyone loves you--why should they not?
And I'm the only one who knows
That Disneyland's about to close
I don't suppose you'd give it a shot
Knowing all that you've got
Are cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby,
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines,
With my hands tied,
Watching the show
Well, it's always fun and games until
It's clear you haven't got the skill
In keeping the gag from going too far
So you're running 'round the parking lot
Til every lightning bug is caught
Punching some pinholes in the lid of a jar
While we wait in the car
With cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby,
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines,
With my hands tied,
Watching the show
And tell me, would it kill you
Would it really spoil everything
If you didn't blame yourself
Do you know what I mean?
Cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby,
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines,
With my hands tied,
Watching the show
Watching the show
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
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Tonight I attended a concert featuring Aimee Mann and poet Billy Collins. After the show there was a question and answer period. I asked if she would discuss the meaning behind the song "Cigarettes and Red Vines". She stated the song was written about a composite of two people. They are nice people but they are each damaged in their own way and although you are rooting for them they can't get out of their own way or past their baggage.