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.
Here by my side, an angel
Here by my side, the devil
Never turn your back on me
Never turn your back on me again
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, you are destruction
Here by my side, a new color to paint the world
Never turn your back on it
Never turn your back on it again
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Careful, you be careful
This is where the world drops off
Careful, you be careful
And you breathe in and you breathe out for it
Ain’t it so weird how it makes you a weapon?
And you give in and you give out for it
Ain’t it so weird how it makes you a weapon?
Never turn your back on it,
Never turn your back on it again
Careful, you be careful
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, the devil
Never turn your back on me
Never turn your back on me again
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, you are destruction
Here by my side, a new color to paint the world
Never turn your back on it
Never turn your back on it again
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Careful, you be careful
This is where the world drops off
Careful, you be careful
And you breathe in and you breathe out for it
Ain’t it so weird how it makes you a weapon?
And you give in and you give out for it
Ain’t it so weird how it makes you a weapon?
Never turn your back on it,
Never turn your back on it again
Careful, you be careful
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Here by my side, it’s heaven
Lyrics submitted by onspie1234, edited by JudasDenied
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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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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.
sorry people, some of this lyrics are probably wrong, but i tried my best, but im confused on this line the most:
here by my side, a new color of paint per wood
thats why i have the (??) next to it
also im confused about this whole thing:
Care for me care for me try to work it out Keep breathing keep breathing for it show it, it makes you a weapon you give in you give out for it show it, it makes you a weapon
but i tried, hopefully someone else can get it right if im wrong
I was thinking that word was "world"
I'm pretty sure it's "a new colour to paint the world". It seems to make a little more sense. But wow, what an awesome song!
*Here by my side, a new color to paint the world
Also, I think the chorus might go like this...
Be careful x 4 Try to work it all out x 2 (not too sure about this line) And you breathe in And you breathe out, for it And you show it, how it makes you a weapon
I'm pretty confident that most of the song is right except for that one line. And yes, the song is amazing. I love Matt Good. The guy is brilliant.
yeah i just edited it thanks but when i first put up here i only had the live version but now i im listening to the version on the site but how do i get that version as an mp3?
I may be wrong but I think this is what the second verse is:
Be careful (x2) This is where the world drops off (x2) Be careful (x2) And you breathe in, and you breathe out for it Ain't it so weird, how it makes you a weapon And you give in, and you give out for it Ain't it so weird, how it makes you a weapon
I think there are many ways to interpret this song but my personal feeling is that it's about drinking and driving. It is a weapon. "Breathe in, breathe out" after being pulled over. "Give in" to the temptation, and then your mind "give(s) out". "Heaven" is how you feel but it may lead to "destruction". You could also interpret as a political song or even about a relationship. It's pretty obscure.
Matt's Comments: "Everyone has the potential to be a horror. So don't turn your back on the reality that you could be one. Furthermore, realize that those you consider dangerous are no different than yourself. Everyone is a weapon in waiting. No one is exepmt. Given the nature of things these days, it seems that truth gets lost at border crossings and airports and so forth. It shouldn't. We're all equal in the evil and beauty we're capable of producing."
Lyrics outta the CD booklet.
Here by my side an angel Here by my side the devil Never turn your back on me Never turn your back on me again Here by my side, it's heaven
Here by my side you are destruction Here by my side a new color to paint the world Never turn your back on it Never turn your back on it again Here by my side it's heaven
Careful, you be careful This is where the world drops off Careful, you be careful
And you breath in and you breath out for it Ain't it so wierd how it makes you a weapon And you give in you give out for it Ain't it so wierd how it makes you a weapon Never turn your back on it never turn your back on it again
Careful, you be careful
very nice interpretation from Matt.