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.
Was a time I would have cried
Those days have all gone by
You always walked a crooked line
And so did I
You read my thoughts, you knew my fears
Weren't as old as you appeared
But so much wiser than your years
And I was blind
If I mentioned love I take it back
I saw your heart and it was black
I finally found out what you lack
And that's a soul
You left a trail of rubber checks
Broken hearts and busted necks
What the fuck did I expect
I don't know
You can give your confession tomorrow
If you find a priest dumb enough to believe
It only hurts when I breathe
Purge and binge, binge and purge
Gorged on speed and bitter words
Found ourselves on be and 3rd
One more time
Feast and fast, burn and crash
Couldn't seem to make it last
You stole my confidence and cash
But I will survive
You can give your confession tomorrow
If you find a priest dumb enough to believe
It only hurts when I breathe
Tears and laughs, laughs and tears
Days are weeks and months are years
Up the on-ramp grinding gears
Away we go
Looking for a bar to burn
Waiting for the tide to turn
Some people never learn
And I should know
You can give your confession tomorrow
If you find a priest dumb enough to believe
And me I'll just beg steal and borrow
Because it only hurts when I breathe
It only hurts when I breathe
Those days have all gone by
You always walked a crooked line
And so did I
You read my thoughts, you knew my fears
Weren't as old as you appeared
But so much wiser than your years
And I was blind
If I mentioned love I take it back
I saw your heart and it was black
I finally found out what you lack
And that's a soul
You left a trail of rubber checks
Broken hearts and busted necks
What the fuck did I expect
I don't know
You can give your confession tomorrow
If you find a priest dumb enough to believe
It only hurts when I breathe
Purge and binge, binge and purge
Gorged on speed and bitter words
Found ourselves on be and 3rd
One more time
Feast and fast, burn and crash
Couldn't seem to make it last
You stole my confidence and cash
But I will survive
You can give your confession tomorrow
If you find a priest dumb enough to believe
It only hurts when I breathe
Tears and laughs, laughs and tears
Days are weeks and months are years
Up the on-ramp grinding gears
Away we go
Looking for a bar to burn
Waiting for the tide to turn
Some people never learn
And I should know
You can give your confession tomorrow
If you find a priest dumb enough to believe
And me I'll just beg steal and borrow
Because it only hurts when I breathe
It only hurts when I breathe
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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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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Page
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
amazing.