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.
Planet Earth is slowing down
Overseas, underground
Wherever you look around
Lord, take me by the hand
Lead me through these desert sands
To the shores of a promised land
You make me start when you look into my heart
And see me for who I really am
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
I didn't care if the sun didn't shine
And the rain didn't fall from the sky
I just cared about myself
From this world to the next
And from the next back to this
By our actions we are bound
We're running out of love
Running out of hate
Running out of space for the human race
Planet Earth is slowing down
You make me cry when you look into my eyes
And see me for who I really am
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
And if you can't change yourself
Then change your world
I'm in love with the planet I'm standing on
I can't stop
I can't stop thinking of
All the people I've ever loved
All the people I have lost
All the people I'll never know
All the feelings I've never shown
The world's too big and life's too short
The world's too big and life's too short
The world's too big and life's too short
To be alone
To be alone
Overseas, underground
Wherever you look around
Lord, take me by the hand
Lead me through these desert sands
To the shores of a promised land
You make me start when you look into my heart
And see me for who I really am
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
I didn't care if the sun didn't shine
And the rain didn't fall from the sky
I just cared about myself
From this world to the next
And from the next back to this
By our actions we are bound
We're running out of love
Running out of hate
Running out of space for the human race
Planet Earth is slowing down
You make me cry when you look into my eyes
And see me for who I really am
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
If you can't change the world change yourself
And if you can't change yourself
Then change your world
I'm in love with the planet I'm standing on
I can't stop
I can't stop thinking of
All the people I've ever loved
All the people I have lost
All the people I'll never know
All the feelings I've never shown
The world's too big and life's too short
The world's too big and life's too short
The world's too big and life's too short
To be alone
To be alone
Lyrics submitted by [inactive account]
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Wow. Not a single comment? I'm surprised.
Though this may have originally been penned in the mid nineties, it seems no more fitting than today.
In a world moving too fast, and a society burning both candles at both ends to the point of detriment, the narrator is reflecting not only on himself, but how he's thought of his life and others in general. This is a mantra for him; he's opening his eyes and seeing the beauty and hatred for the first time after years of sworn apathy. (Though we're not sure why.)
Now, looking upon life anew, he's bursting to make a difference. Make a change. But, as the old adage goes, you can't change the world. So, he's decided to start smaller. With himself. Small, but no less great.
I think this song carries a wonderful message. It leaves us something to think on, however.
If you can't change yourself, well, then change your world.
/ end two cents proffered
@mindhuntress Even though the song is pretty straightforward I liked your explanation very much. Thank you. Also, I concur it's a shame this song only got one comment! It's beautiful in its simplicity.