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.
Drink deep, it's just a taste
And it might not come this way again
I believe in moments, transparent moments
Moments in grace when you've got to stake your faith, yeah
Why do I confine, when all I want is release? I said
It moves outside you, it stays inside you
And it's not something, you know that I could, I could prove
Or could chose, to be moved
Yes, it's a promise and it's a threat
And it's not something that I'll let you forget
Not just yet, not just yet, yeah
Why do I chase, when all I want is near?
It's not the rule then it's always the case
Good intentions get fractured, good intentions get replaced
So close to reach but so hard to hold
The only chance you get is past your control
It's so hard, it's so hard, yeah
Drink, drink deep
Drink, drink deep
Drink deep, it's just a taste
And it might not come this way again
Time to surrender, yes, we surrender
Of all things in time, all things one place, one place, yeah
And it might not come this way again
I believe in moments, transparent moments
Moments in grace when you've got to stake your faith, yeah
Why do I confine, when all I want is release? I said
It moves outside you, it stays inside you
And it's not something, you know that I could, I could prove
Or could chose, to be moved
Yes, it's a promise and it's a threat
And it's not something that I'll let you forget
Not just yet, not just yet, yeah
Why do I chase, when all I want is near?
It's not the rule then it's always the case
Good intentions get fractured, good intentions get replaced
So close to reach but so hard to hold
The only chance you get is past your control
It's so hard, it's so hard, yeah
Drink, drink deep
Drink, drink deep
Drink deep, it's just a taste
And it might not come this way again
Time to surrender, yes, we surrender
Of all things in time, all things one place, one place, yeah
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Great version of a great song,
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And temporal.
I'm surprised by the lack of comments on this one. I thought it was their most beloved song.
Seems to be saying to enjoy the moment, enjoy what you have while you have it. In particular the lines "Why do I chase when all I want is near?" and "Drink deep, it's just a taste and it might not come this way again." While Fugazi is one of my favorites, I didn't get to hear Rites of Spring until I got the 20 Years of Dischord box set and this was the Rites of Spring song that was on it. Great tune. I like that intro, and then how everything else comes crashing in and it sort of feels like the song can't contain the energy. I like Guy's vocal delivery along with the background chants. It all adds up to an epic of a song.
Love is arbitrary.
I think Mad Slanted Powers said it best, savor every good moment because it might not happen again.
Seems to be about "living in the moment" but I think it is "deeper" than that. In life you will experience certain moments of transcendence. The thing is, you can't will it to happen (for example, by going to church). The moment is just going to present itself and then it is up to you to be open to experiencing it fully.