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 greatest times I've ever known
They're locked inside of me
And carved out of stone
I've broken hearts
Made people sing
I've drove a million miles
I've done everything
I'm a rocker, oh oh
Do as I feel, as I say
I'm a rocker, oh oh
And no one can take that away
Bring on the night
That's when I live
I come alive inside
Give all I can give
I live each day
Like it's my last
I live for rock and roll
I never look back
I'm a rocker, oh oh
I do as I feel, as I say
I'm a rocker, oh oh
And no one can take that away
I'm a rocker (rocker)
And I'm always revving up
I'm a rocker (rocker)
I can never get enough
I'm a rocker (rocker)
It's something in my blood
I'm a rocker (rocker)
Wouldn't change it even if I could
I'm a rocker, oh oh
I do as I feel, as I say
I'm a rocker, oh oh
And no one can take that away
They're locked inside of me
And carved out of stone
I've broken hearts
Made people sing
I've drove a million miles
I've done everything
I'm a rocker, oh oh
Do as I feel, as I say
I'm a rocker, oh oh
And no one can take that away
Bring on the night
That's when I live
I come alive inside
Give all I can give
I live each day
Like it's my last
I live for rock and roll
I never look back
I'm a rocker, oh oh
I do as I feel, as I say
I'm a rocker, oh oh
And no one can take that away
I'm a rocker (rocker)
And I'm always revving up
I'm a rocker (rocker)
I can never get enough
I'm a rocker (rocker)
It's something in my blood
I'm a rocker (rocker)
Wouldn't change it even if I could
I'm a rocker, oh oh
I do as I feel, as I say
I'm a rocker, oh oh
And no one can take that away
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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.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
The one that lucifer was called to sing,also hell is home.