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.
The stage is set to rip the wings from a butterfly
(The stage is set)
The stage is set don't forget to breathe
(Between the lines)
If the whole world dies, then it's safe to take the stage
These graves will stretch like landing strips
Hospitals, all dead museums
We won't have to be afraid anymore
The crowd is growing silent with the gathering storm
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
If we say these words it will be too late to take them back
So we hold our breath and fold our hands
Like paper airplanes
(And we're going to crash)
We don't have to be alone
(We don't have to be alone)
Ever again
There's a riot in the theater, someone's standing in the aisles
(Yelling that the nurderers)
Are everywhere and they're lining up
(Carving the 'm' in your side)
Stand alone
(This time)
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
The stage is set to rip the wings from the butterfly
Pull the curtain back
Kill all the houselights
Pin the dress of lotus flowers
The silk is spinning round and around with the ceiling fan
I'm disappearing into the spotlight
I'm on display with the butterfly with smiles
With smiles like picket fences you tie us all up and leave us outside
"That voice is silent now, the boat has sunk"
We're on our own but we're not going to run
(The stage is set)
The stage is set don't forget to breathe
(Between the lines)
If the whole world dies, then it's safe to take the stage
These graves will stretch like landing strips
Hospitals, all dead museums
We won't have to be afraid anymore
The crowd is growing silent with the gathering storm
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
If we say these words it will be too late to take them back
So we hold our breath and fold our hands
Like paper airplanes
(And we're going to crash)
We don't have to be alone
(We don't have to be alone)
Ever again
There's a riot in the theater, someone's standing in the aisles
(Yelling that the nurderers)
Are everywhere and they're lining up
(Carving the 'm' in your side)
Stand alone
(This time)
When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
Just trying to keep up the act
We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
Joining the procession of emptiness
The stage is set to rip the wings from the butterfly
Pull the curtain back
Kill all the houselights
Pin the dress of lotus flowers
The silk is spinning round and around with the ceiling fan
I'm disappearing into the spotlight
I'm on display with the butterfly with smiles
With smiles like picket fences you tie us all up and leave us outside
"That voice is silent now, the boat has sunk"
We're on our own but we're not going to run
Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84
M. Shepard Lyrics as written by Geoffrey Rickly Iii
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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m. shepard is actually about a friend of geoff's who is too afraid to come out the closet, it's not really a tribute to matthew sheppard althought the many referances. "that voice is silent now, the boat has sunk..." is actually matthew sheppard's dad, denis sheppard's, last words on his murder case.