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.
Waiting, got no town to hide in
The country's got a hold of my soul
TV's dead and there ain't no war in my head, no
And you seem very beautiful to me
Sleeping but my work's not done
I could be lying on an atom bomb
I'll take care cause I know you'll be there
And you seem very beautiful to me
It is the rest of your life keeps a rolling and rolling
Picture in my pocket looks like you
It is the rest of your life keeps a rolling, rolling, rolling along
The country's got a hold of my soul
TV's dead and there ain't no war in my head, no
And you seem very beautiful to me
Sleeping but my work's not done
I could be lying on an atom bomb
I'll take care cause I know you'll be there
And you seem very beautiful to me
It is the rest of your life keeps a rolling and rolling
Picture in my pocket looks like you
It is the rest of your life keeps a rolling, rolling, rolling along
Lyrics submitted by U2takemehigher
Good Song Lyrics as written by Steven Alexander James Damon Albarn
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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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 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.
Mountain Song
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
I'm getting that he's saying that there's so much bad news around, he could talk about it, but his partner is more interesting. There so much to do, but she seems pretty beautiful.
This has to be my favorite song that Albarn wrote. I dunno, It's perfect and everything that is good in the world. The music reminds me of long nights by a desk lamp, fighting out life the honest way. A safe haven. Truly a beautiful song.
Agreed- I have no idea why more people haven't heard this song. It's oddly catchy and lyrically simple, which makes a great combination. I definitely recommend checking out the video (link is in the post above).
My favorite Blur song... Just sooo beautifully sad.
Just saw the video. nme.com/features/106347.htm
Awesome
i love the cachy guitars in this song. kind of reminds me of 'the sounder' from gorillaz
this is one of my favorite songs. it is really beautiful and sad to me, about the loss of someone you love. it speaks of how when you lose someone, nothing else is important to you (i could be lying on an atom bomb). i think the final lines (its the rest of your life, keeps rolling, picture in my pocket looks like you) is especially sad. its about trying to move on and thinking about how that person you care about so much moves on with their life, too. simply excellent song on an excellent album, except crazy beat.
i always thought that it was about a soldier who deserts his unit.
Sounds like a soldier in love. I love a lot of lines from here because they're so simple but true, no grasping for poetry.
One of my favorites, in the context of my interpretation, is "TV's dead but there ain't no war in my head" ... when he is on rest, there is no trauma of the war to weigh down on his psyche (I'm thinking Apocalypse Now, when Martin says "when I'm in Saigon I want to go home, when I'm at home I wish I was in Saigon") because he's thinking about his love.
Other favorite line, in general: "Picture in my pocket...looks like you."
Truly emotional and beautiful in a very sad way