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.
This is not a model
Fit for any mold.
The twisted old and bitter tongues
Are reckless just as they are cold.
Dwelling on the dying
Is wet fingers to the flame.
And I cannot say that I believe
In everything that you propose to me.
I'd rather learn from children.
I'd rather see their world.
In all it's natural splendor,
And all it's harsh distress unknown.
Not what's old and jaded,
Forgotten or ignored.
Or in the way of anything,
There to keep the flame from burning.
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is "Who has lost the sense?"
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is "Got to get it, to give."
All that I care to know is what you're wondering.
All that I care to see is what you're seeing.
I want to know what you know,
Not the little things you'll learn to guard you
(All the little things we'll teach you).
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is, "Who has lost the sense?"
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is, "Got to get it, to give."
Fit for any mold.
The twisted old and bitter tongues
Are reckless just as they are cold.
Dwelling on the dying
Is wet fingers to the flame.
And I cannot say that I believe
In everything that you propose to me.
I'd rather learn from children.
I'd rather see their world.
In all it's natural splendor,
And all it's harsh distress unknown.
Not what's old and jaded,
Forgotten or ignored.
Or in the way of anything,
There to keep the flame from burning.
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is "Who has lost the sense?"
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is "Got to get it, to give."
All that I care to know is what you're wondering.
All that I care to see is what you're seeing.
I want to know what you know,
Not the little things you'll learn to guard you
(All the little things we'll teach you).
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is, "Who has lost the sense?"
I read the writing on the wall, and all
I see is, "Got to get it, to give."
Lyrics submitted by helixbiker
The Sense Lyrics as written by Christopher James Wollard Charles Allen Ragan
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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man i cant believe no one has commented on this song...its my favorite off of Caution (and the emo game music, if anyone plays that)....my best guess as to the meaning would be someone fed up with how the "adult" world works, and wishes they had the simple outlook of children....something along those lines, thats not really clarifying much but its a start i guess
Johnnyfender43..I totally agree with you on the song's meaning..I don't think there's much to debate about it.
To be honest, I had no idea what the lyrics to this song were until I looked at them just now.
I think you're right on track. The song seems to be about how Children have a better life. They dont have the stresses of adult life, all the things adults have to do that are a pain in the ass. They live their life in a blissful world where they're too young and innocent to see how bad the world can actually be.
But what is "The Sense"? I thought it may be adults losing their sense of fun. But then maybe it's being ironic and saying that children are more sensible than adults. I dunno.
The Sense is within the lyrics: All that I care to know is what you're wondering. All that I care to see is what you're seeing. I want to know what you know, not the little things you'll learn to guard you (All the little things we'll teach you)
Throughout our lives we always have these defenses we put up, whether it is because we're afraid or ashamed or whatever.
i love this song. my favourite by HWM