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.
Blowing bubbles, lying down
Waiting for the rain to fall
Laughing at the people
Wonder why they always rush, never slow down
And we're smiling, when we're sleeping
And we're smiling, when we're waking
Even if the rain falls down, and all the sky turns cold
I will feel fine
Thunder roared and lightning flashed
But you and I are in a different time
Floating in and out of time
In and out of space
No-one can touch us
We're in a different space
Waiting for the rain to fall
Laughing at the people
Wonder why they always rush, never slow down
And we're smiling, when we're sleeping
And we're smiling, when we're waking
Even if the rain falls down, and all the sky turns cold
I will feel fine
Thunder roared and lightning flashed
But you and I are in a different time
Floating in and out of time
In and out of space
No-one can touch us
We're in a different space
Lyrics submitted by Vurogj, edited by JohnDiFool2
In a Different Place Lyrics as written by Laurence John Colbert Andrew Bell
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
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Great version of a great song,
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I think it's a pure expression of the euphoria of young love. To me it evokes an image of a couple on a hot, summers day, just lazing around in each other's company while everyone else rushes about like headless chickens. The euphoria is such that even when the skies break and the rain comes in, their euphoria is strong enough to withhold it. And yes, maybe it has druggy connotations too, but I don't think you need to invoke that response.
And to Catroar: I agree with the lyric as listed, I think it's 'We're smiling as we're waking.' I imagine them dozing on a hot, languid day. It captures that mood perfectly - when you're half-in-reality and half-in-the-dreamword. A wonderful swoon of a song.