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.
Jesus, Jesus, what's it all about?
Trying to clout these little ingrates into shape
When I was their age, all the lights went out
There was no time to whine and mope about
And even now part of me flies over Dresden at angels one five
Though they'll never fathom it behind my sarcasm
Desperate memories lie
Sweetheart, sweetheart, are you fast asleep? Good
That's the only time that I can really speak to you
There is something that I've locked away
A memory that is too painful
To withstand the light of day
When we came back from the war
The banners and flags hung on everyone's door
We danced and we sang in the street
And the church bells rang
But burning in my heart
The memory smolders on
Of the gunner's dying words on the intercom
Trying to clout these little ingrates into shape
When I was their age, all the lights went out
There was no time to whine and mope about
And even now part of me flies over Dresden at angels one five
Though they'll never fathom it behind my sarcasm
Desperate memories lie
Sweetheart, sweetheart, are you fast asleep? Good
That's the only time that I can really speak to you
There is something that I've locked away
A memory that is too painful
To withstand the light of day
When we came back from the war
The banners and flags hung on everyone's door
We danced and we sang in the street
And the church bells rang
But burning in my heart
The memory smolders on
Of the gunner's dying words on the intercom
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae, edited by digitalmanMKII
The Hero's Return Lyrics as written by George Roger Waters
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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The Schoolmaster also stars in Fletcher Memorial, I do believe...
Anywho, "The Final Cut" was ultimately a tie up album. Not really "The Wall, pt. 3", seeing as at the end of the Wall Pink's problems are resolved, but they do tie up a few loose ends.
Bashyou, yeah, the teacher was insecure because his wife was abusive, as said by "The Wall".
But what ho? "Sweet-heart, sweet-heart, are you fast asleep? / Good, that's the only time that I can really speak to you?" Hey! What do you know! IT'S THE WIFE!
Anywho, I felt like pointing that out.
Back to the main focus, this song is part of a story-line regarding the teacher. One that, in my opinion, includes "Your Possible Pasts", "One of the Few", this song, "The Gunner's Dream", and "Paranoid Eyes".
Notice that these were all sequential songs in the initial publishing of the album.
Wait a sec. If I thought The Wall and The Final Cut were related I would call The Final Cut "The Wall part 2." So why did you call it Part 3? Hmm...