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.
sleep never comes quick enough to protect us
there is no shelter in the present from the ghosts of the past
like well driven nails
memories dig their claws in our backs
revealing our black hearts
unable to forgive ourselves
our parched mouths pray for rain
and only the clouds bear witness as we wither away
there is no shelter in the present from the ghosts of the past
like well driven nails
memories dig their claws in our backs
revealing our black hearts
unable to forgive ourselves
our parched mouths pray for rain
and only the clouds bear witness as we wither away
Lyrics submitted by yourstruly
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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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hopesfall is even more amazing than this song is...words can not describe it...
Im surprised not more people said something this song if you like Hopesfall, it's like one of their best
yeah it is really good, but all of the hopeafall songs are amazing, its hard to pick lol...but this song stick out, because of the last line. "only the cloud bear witness as we wither away.." because lets face it, sometimes, no one really gives a flying fucka bout you. no one even notices anything is wrong until youre gone. only the clouds see as you fall apart at the seams.
Many times have I been up all night and listened to this song. It helps.
really good song. i think its saying that you go to bed..but you just can't go to sleep fast enough and you start thinking about the past and bad memories and some stupid shit you've done and just wanna die...or something like that i dunno
This song is musically and lyrically superb. The instrumental 1/3 of the way through the song just rules, especially with the breakdowns following mixed with some melodic riffs. 10 out of 10.