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.
Break the chain
Tracy is a good girl
Sweet 16
Her daddy's in her bedroom
Makes her feel unclean
She's slave to a secret
That her dad and she keep together
Nathan is a genius
Or at least he was
Nat traded future for a glass-pipe-buzz
Nat lives on the streets now
For $20 bills he'll do whatever
[Chorus:]
Don't stop breaking the chains
Don't stop breakin' away
Don't be afraid of breaking the chains
It's up to no one else
You've got to free yourself
Rosie is a waitress at the airport lounge
She gave up on her dreams
Her self esteem's broke down
Now she stares out the window
Watching people fly around forever
[Chorus]
Make a change don't you be afraid, go on
Free your mind from the fear inside
And you won't be chained anymore
Look here I'm a black man
And they say I'm free
Seems like somebody s'til got chains on me
Well we got brothers killing brothers
Leaving young mothers to raise a family
We gotta stay together to make it better
[Chorus out]
Tracy is a good girl
Sweet 16
Her daddy's in her bedroom
Makes her feel unclean
She's slave to a secret
That her dad and she keep together
Nathan is a genius
Or at least he was
Nat traded future for a glass-pipe-buzz
Nat lives on the streets now
For $20 bills he'll do whatever
[Chorus:]
Don't stop breaking the chains
Don't stop breakin' away
Don't be afraid of breaking the chains
It's up to no one else
You've got to free yourself
Rosie is a waitress at the airport lounge
She gave up on her dreams
Her self esteem's broke down
Now she stares out the window
Watching people fly around forever
[Chorus]
Make a change don't you be afraid, go on
Free your mind from the fear inside
And you won't be chained anymore
Look here I'm a black man
And they say I'm free
Seems like somebody s'til got chains on me
Well we got brothers killing brothers
Leaving young mothers to raise a family
We gotta stay together to make it better
[Chorus out]
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.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
A very underrate song..the meaning is so great and really empowering!