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.
I can't be compromising in my thoughts no more
I can't prevent the times my anger fills my heart
I can't be sympathizing with a new lost cause
I feel I've lost my patience with the world and all
And all the politicians and their hollow promises
And all the lies, deceit and shame that goes with it
The working man pays everything for their mistakes
And with his life too if there was to be a war
So we can only get one chance, can we take it?
And we only get one life, can't exchange it
Can we hold on to what we have? Don't replace it
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
A life of petty crime gets punished with a holiday
The victims' mind are scarred for life most everyday
Assailants know just how much further they can go
They know the laws are soft, conviction chances low
So we can only get one chance, can we take it?
And we only get one life, can't exchange it
Can we hold on to what we have? Don't replace it
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
You can't protect yourselves, even in your own home
For fear of vigilante cries, the victims wipe their eyes
So now the criminals, they laugh right in our face
Judicial system lets them do it, a disgrace
Despondent public worries, where it all will end?
We can't protect ourselves, our kids from crime, the trend
We cannot warn each other of evil in our midst
They have more rights than us, you cannot call that just
So we can only get one chance, can we take it?
And we only got one life, can't exchange it
Can we hold on to what we have? Don't replace it
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
I can't prevent the times my anger fills my heart
I can't be sympathizing with a new lost cause
I feel I've lost my patience with the world and all
And all the politicians and their hollow promises
And all the lies, deceit and shame that goes with it
The working man pays everything for their mistakes
And with his life too if there was to be a war
So we can only get one chance, can we take it?
And we only get one life, can't exchange it
Can we hold on to what we have? Don't replace it
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
A life of petty crime gets punished with a holiday
The victims' mind are scarred for life most everyday
Assailants know just how much further they can go
They know the laws are soft, conviction chances low
So we can only get one chance, can we take it?
And we only get one life, can't exchange it
Can we hold on to what we have? Don't replace it
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
You can't protect yourselves, even in your own home
For fear of vigilante cries, the victims wipe their eyes
So now the criminals, they laugh right in our face
Judicial system lets them do it, a disgrace
Despondent public worries, where it all will end?
We can't protect ourselves, our kids from crime, the trend
We cannot warn each other of evil in our midst
They have more rights than us, you cannot call that just
So we can only get one chance, can we take it?
And we only got one life, can't exchange it
Can we hold on to what we have? Don't replace it
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
The age of innocence is fading like an old dream
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Light Up The Sky
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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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.
Amazing
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Does anyone think this song might be inspired by the Edith Wharton novel of the same name? I haven't read it yet, but I'm required to for a course I'm taking right now. Once I've read it, I'll comment on any similarities, but I just thought I'd throw that out there for now.