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.
On the Sunday after the mason dance
It�s the one day I can remember when
I felt so pure and really at peace with myself
I was in love, the sun sang down victorious
but the truth is I have no faith in happiness
It turns to fear, draws the devils near
So I jumped the fence
And went out west
abilene
Got a sales job as a pharmaceutical rep
Lived out of hotels, rental cars and a stowable bag
I drove all day � from hospital pacing and clinic sweats
I drove all night � I couldn�t ever sleep now anyway
I tried, but the old devils, they found me in my room
I hid under the covers and cried out as they tore off my sheets
So I went east
vietnam
I�m long gone
I�m up the river
Way past mekong
but the old devils, they found me in my hut
They poured through the windows, they cornered me
And I cried out, to no one: �I give up.�
It�s the one day I can remember when
I felt so pure and really at peace with myself
I was in love, the sun sang down victorious
but the truth is I have no faith in happiness
It turns to fear, draws the devils near
So I jumped the fence
And went out west
abilene
Got a sales job as a pharmaceutical rep
Lived out of hotels, rental cars and a stowable bag
I drove all day � from hospital pacing and clinic sweats
I drove all night � I couldn�t ever sleep now anyway
I tried, but the old devils, they found me in my room
I hid under the covers and cried out as they tore off my sheets
So I went east
vietnam
I�m long gone
I�m up the river
Way past mekong
but the old devils, they found me in my hut
They poured through the windows, they cornered me
And I cried out, to no one: �I give up.�
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This is the best song ever.
i actually got the chance to talk to john about this. its about being dumped. "the truth is i have no faith in happiness, it turns to fear draws the devils near" happiness turns to sadness..the couple parts about old devils finding him, those are about how just when you think you are safe and feeling alright, depression will rear its ugly head again. i feel this song so much..sadly
yeah, i agree, the first time i heard these lyrics i felt they were about depression. its like how no matter where you go, or what you do, depression always finds you.
I always thought this song was about drug abuse and he travels one place and it ruin his life so he picks up and goes somewhere else but his old habits [devils] find him again. But yea depression fits the lyrics better.
ok. Not sure where the vietnam reference comes in. if it was in a different order, it could be about a vietnam vet. but depression fits. and oh yeah this is by far my favorite song on the album, which is saying a lot.
abilene, vietnam....there is no where to escape depression. in my opinion, this is the most terrifying song ever written.
I think abilene is in texas by the way
There's an Abilene in Kansas too, but in terms of the song it's not important. Is this the best JV song ever? Probably.
This song brings me so much nostalgic...Its like my whole senior year with headphones, swim meets, and just my whole experience.
This song scares the hell out of me. I love it.