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.
Right now
Well it's finally time to face my fears
Gonna get the hell out of here
And create a fresher atmosphere
But the consequences clear
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Like you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Why you've broken every single rule
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shadows entertain me
I don't want it masses
Shadows explain their known reactions
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefied
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Well it's finally time to face my fears
Gonna get the hell out of here
And create a fresher atmosphere
But the consequences clear
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Like you
Perseverance is a useless tool
Just a patron on a ship of fools
Painting interest in the cast and crew
Why you've broken every single rule
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefyed
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Shadows entertain me
I don't want it masses
Shadows explain their known reactions
I don't even know if I can ever find truth
But I'm sure it won't come from far away
There's a furnace set on high
And the yearning undefied
But it's time to turn the tide
It's social suicide
Lyrics submitted by Aerion, edited by sabbath105
Social Suicide Lyrics as written by Greg Graffin Brett W. Gurewitz
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
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”
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
I agree with latchkey kid on this on this one it's not about Bush or the government.It's about us, the people.Our stagnant cesspool we call society.