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.
She told him she'd rather fix her make-up
Than try to fix what's going on
But the problem keeps on calling
Even with the cell phone gone
She told him that she believes in living
Bigger than she's living now
But her world keeps spinning backwards and
Upside-down
Don't say so-long, you're not that far gone.
Don't spend today away, 'cause today will soon be
Gone, like yesterday is gone
Like history is gone
Just try and prove me wrong and
Pretend like you're immortal.
She said, He said live like no tomorrow
Every day we borrow brings us
One step closer to the edge.Infinity
Where's your treasure? where's your hope?
If you get the world and lose your soul?
She pretends like she pretends like she's immortal.
Don't say so-long, and throw yourself wrong.
This could be your big chance to make-up,
Today will soon be
Gone, like yesterday is gone
Like history is gone
The world keeps spinning on
You're going, going
Gone,like summer break is gone,
Like Saturday is gone
Just try and prove me wrong and
Pretend like you're immortal
(you're immortal) you're immortal (you're immortal) ha-ah
We are not infinite
We are not permanent
Nothing's immediate
And we pretend like we're immortal
We're so comforted in our accomplishments
Look at our decadence.
Gone,like Frank Sinatra,like Elvis and his mom
Like Al Pacino's cash,nothing lasts in this life
Gone, my high school dreams are gone
My childhood sweets are gone
Life is a day that doesn't last for long
Life is more than money, time was never money
Time was never cash,
Life is still more than girls,Life is more than girls
Life is more than hundred dollar bills and roto-tom fills,
Life is more than fame and rock and roll and thrills
All the riches of the kings end up in wills
We've got information in the information age,
But do we know what life is outside of our convenient Lexus cages?
She said, He said live like no tomorrow,
Every moment that we borrow brings us closer
To the God who's never been short of cash
Hey Bono, I'm glad you asked.
Life is still worth living,Life is more that we are.
Than try to fix what's going on
But the problem keeps on calling
Even with the cell phone gone
She told him that she believes in living
Bigger than she's living now
But her world keeps spinning backwards and
Upside-down
Don't say so-long, you're not that far gone.
Don't spend today away, 'cause today will soon be
Gone, like yesterday is gone
Like history is gone
Just try and prove me wrong and
Pretend like you're immortal.
She said, He said live like no tomorrow
Every day we borrow brings us
One step closer to the edge.Infinity
Where's your treasure? where's your hope?
If you get the world and lose your soul?
She pretends like she pretends like she's immortal.
Don't say so-long, and throw yourself wrong.
This could be your big chance to make-up,
Today will soon be
Gone, like yesterday is gone
Like history is gone
The world keeps spinning on
You're going, going
Gone,like summer break is gone,
Like Saturday is gone
Just try and prove me wrong and
Pretend like you're immortal
(you're immortal) you're immortal (you're immortal) ha-ah
We are not infinite
We are not permanent
Nothing's immediate
And we pretend like we're immortal
We're so comforted in our accomplishments
Look at our decadence.
Gone,like Frank Sinatra,like Elvis and his mom
Like Al Pacino's cash,nothing lasts in this life
Gone, my high school dreams are gone
My childhood sweets are gone
Life is a day that doesn't last for long
Life is more than money, time was never money
Time was never cash,
Life is still more than girls,Life is more than girls
Life is more than hundred dollar bills and roto-tom fills,
Life is more than fame and rock and roll and thrills
All the riches of the kings end up in wills
We've got information in the information age,
But do we know what life is outside of our convenient Lexus cages?
She said, He said live like no tomorrow,
Every moment that we borrow brings us closer
To the God who's never been short of cash
Hey Bono, I'm glad you asked.
Life is still worth living,Life is more that we are.
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
This song could mean more than one thing - being a strong Christian, and also not worrying about things in life that aren't very important such as money. And that is why I love Switchfoot, because they're lyrics definitely have a Christian point of view, but non-Christians can also appreciate the songs. I think this is probably my favorite song on the whole cd, I definitely agree with the point it's trying to get across that life is more important than money and other belongings.
For one, these lyrics are all wrong. To find the real ones, go to switchfoot.com.
Second, I wish people would put a little more thought into these music critiques. So much can be said about this song and it takes away from it when people sum it up in 5 words.
Anyway, my belief is that Switchfoot is concerned about several things: that (1), people aren't seizing the day as they should, (2), people are taking their lives for granted and (3), that we're replacing the Void in our lives with various different things (the money, the cash, the girls). All these things are irrelevant once a person sees how precious life truly is. One thing I admire about Switchfoot is how they can get across a hugely powerful message without being overly preachy and religious.
-Driftwood.
Guys, a roto-tom is a type of drum. So all it is is a drum fill on a roto-tom. :) I'm still curious when and where Bono said "Life isn't worth living." Any word?
@downfromabove The reference to Bono is about the lyric dealing with God not being short on cash. U2 played "Bullet in the Blue Sky" on "Rattle and Hum" and Bono says "My God is not short on cash." at the end. This is a different version than on the Joshua Tree. The following lyrics are added: <br /> <br /> So I'm back in my hotel room <br /> With John Coltrane and A Love Supreme <br /> In the next room I hear some woman scream out <br /> That her lover's turning off, turning on the television <br /> And I can't tell the difference between ABC News, Hill Street Blues <br /> And a preacher on the old time gospel hour <br /> Stealing money from the sick and the old <br /> Well the God I believe in isn't short of cash, mister!<br /> <br /> I feel a long way from the hills of San Salvador <br /> Where the sky is ripped open <br /> And the rain pours through a gaping wound <br /> Pelting the women and children <br /> Pelting the women and children <br /> Who run - who run into the arms of America
@downfromabove In reference to Micahael09: I'm really glad that you chimed in regarding the Bono reference. I just went over to my Spotify account (where I have pegged U2 as a favorite band of mine), and listened to the song in reference ------ the version from Rattle and Hum. But I still don't see why Jon Foreman would have thought he needed to have corrected Bono with the line, 'Life is still worth living'<br /> <br /> I am still wondering why he told Bono that 'Life is still worth living'. It seems to me that the ONLY reason that he would have needed to say this to him would have ONLY been after Bono making a statement either tantamount or indicative that he was planning on ending his own life prematurely. Which by any other name would mean suicide. <br /> <br /> So does Bono ever give this type of notion to his fans in any of his songs on any of the albums by U2?<br /> <br /> Please keep in mind, I am a Christian. I am a huge fan of Switchfoot. However I also like to listen to many secular bands and artists as well.
Something that's so amazing about Switchfoot is that you can feel in your soul what they're talking about, even without knowing the exact lyrics. With this song I think people get the meaning, but they go by what they feel and what's going on in their lives , rather than what's actually in the lyrics.
I think these lyrics start in the begining by telling a story. "She told him she'd rather fix her make-up Than try to fix what's going on" That Character "She" is referring to everyone- the human race! The way we act and center things in our lives-unimportant things. Whether it's your make-up, or video games, or money, or any material things, these lyrics talk about them all!
And Switchfoot is telling us that we have to put all those things beside us, because those things aren't going to be around forever. Our souls are going to be around forever, but if we put those things first than they won't. "Where's your treasure, where's your hope If you get the world and lose your soul? "
We really can lose it. And that's what's incredible about Switchfoot. Their songs and their lyrics save us.
So I don't wanna be an asshole to anyone who picks up Christian vibes from this, and for all I know, that might be exactly what they're saying. I also have no clue what the singer/songwriters own affiliations are.
Regardless, the song is quite awesome. As far as I'm concerned, it means exactly what everyone says. Seize the day.
As someone said, regardless of religion, this means the same to everyone. While certain lines could be interpreted as Christian, we'll all agree the fundamental concept of God for the writers and singers was all Christian. So references made towards a God might be read as Christian, but is in-fact, a generic one. Their saying 'God whose never short of cash' means a rewarding authority (either God, or your conscience, and the latter for me).
Cash doesn't mean money obviously, but the reward of life and living.
"Like Frank Sinatra Like Elvis and his mom Like Al Pacino's cash, nothing lasts in this life "
These lines are very real. Partly because of the celebrity angle. Everything else is stuff I read on FB posts. These 3 lines show me that characters or people I thought were invincible, or immortal, are also, in fact, all Gone. :) This grounds me a little. Brings a little perspective to NOT aim for those successes or that life, because we're all gonna end up the same way.
"My high school dreams are gone My childhood sweets are gone "
Again, very real. Because you know it's true. But not everyone thinks of them that way. They're Gone. Poof! You don't know when or how, and it isn't important. Realise and understand that they're gone.
Anyhow, Gone refers to death. It's coming and it's gonna happen. Realise this. And live your life like it's happening right now.
I upvoted myself to see what happens.. Sorry to the internet.. i wasn't looking to lick my arse
@DarthNoah Just curious, why wouldn't there by any 'Christian Vibes' on a song both being written and recorded (performed) by a CHRISTIAN band?<br /> <br /> Why is this so confusing to you? Switchfoot is a Christian band. They always have been. How in the world did you miss the memo regarding this?
For one, these lyrics are all wrong. To find the real ones, go to switchfoot.com.
Second, I wish people would put a little more thought into these music critiques. So much can be said about this song and it takes away from it when people sum it up in 5 words.
Anyway, my belief is that Switchfoot is concerned about several things: that (1), people aren't seizing the day as they should, (2), people are taking their lives for granted and (3), that we're replacing the Void in our lives with various different things (the money, the cash, the girls). All these things are irrelevant once a person sees how precious life truly is. One thing I admire about Switchfoot is how they can get across a hugely powerful message without being overly preachy and religious.
-Driftwood.
God...meh. Good song though.
@urwellkeen There's no 'God ...... meh', dude. God is absolutely EVERYTHING to Switchfoot. If this bothers you, then you are missing the whole point here.<br /> <br /> The whole entire reason that Switchfoot and other bands like Skillet and TFK exist are to both shed light on, and bring into focus to the one and only GOD who has long been forgotten by modern day society. He longs to have a relationship with you, and this is only possible when you accept that the redeeming work of His Son Jesus Christ of dying on the cross for your sins and then rising up from the dead three days later ........ is for you. All you have to do is ASK Him to forgive you of your sins, and become your Lord and Savior. <br /> <br /> If I'm being "preachy", then so be it. This is the ONLY way of salvation, folks. And God has been using Switchfoot (as well as many other bands and artists, such as Skillet and TFK) to bring this very same message to the masses.
i think this song mean nothing in this life matters the only thing that matters is that ull live forever with the lord our savior
to add to my last one it means that god will forgive you and nothin last in this life except ur spirit
the meaning is about life is really short, and we can end it really quick .. but we should end it good