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.
There is a consistently loud noise that the world makes
that constantly drowns me out
if it wasn't for this noise
you might have heard my voice
trying to boil water by yelling at it
but it's me that does the boiling
I heat up quicker than the flame
That is not turned on under the water
Don't need your attention but it'd be nice to have
You do not need my noise but it would be quite the asset
You're open ears will be our shelter from the open air
I sing to find the JUSTice to bring a WANTed criminal TO trial
I BElieve I HEARD him mass-producing predecessors' styles
Bounty hunting, I had to ground myself to see I'm not ABOVE denial
And turn my weapon on myself because THE NOISE defile is I.
The undeserving steal halos from heroes while they sleep
To fight back, the heroes slice away their eyelids
And fall into deep alerted-ness
Amazing these steps taken
To keep a neon sign of your importance
Screaming at all different speeds and they meet the ears that they're aimed at
The hum is playing defense, deflecting all my attempts
I can't find a hole in this wall
The sound that gets reflected resonates on impact
And catches a few passing ears
And that's victory enough
In this fight for volume…
hearing yourself in a crowded room - volume.
So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it….
[“Adjust my mic level”]
In a dream all the things that deserve it would get the proper respect
Not get bludgeoned to death by useless information
Great things get lost in the fight to be heard, but the stronger ones spring up from the ashes ready to breed in the airwaves
Ye-ah-eah-eahhhhhhh In the airwaves…yeah…
In a dream all the things that deserve it would get the proper respect not get bludgeoned to death by useless information.
[“Get down to it”]
that constantly drowns me out
if it wasn't for this noise
you might have heard my voice
trying to boil water by yelling at it
but it's me that does the boiling
I heat up quicker than the flame
That is not turned on under the water
Don't need your attention but it'd be nice to have
You do not need my noise but it would be quite the asset
You're open ears will be our shelter from the open air
I sing to find the JUSTice to bring a WANTed criminal TO trial
I BElieve I HEARD him mass-producing predecessors' styles
Bounty hunting, I had to ground myself to see I'm not ABOVE denial
And turn my weapon on myself because THE NOISE defile is I.
The undeserving steal halos from heroes while they sleep
To fight back, the heroes slice away their eyelids
And fall into deep alerted-ness
Amazing these steps taken
To keep a neon sign of your importance
Screaming at all different speeds and they meet the ears that they're aimed at
The hum is playing defense, deflecting all my attempts
I can't find a hole in this wall
The sound that gets reflected resonates on impact
And catches a few passing ears
And that's victory enough
In this fight for volume…
hearing yourself in a crowded room - volume.
So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it So many of us trying to make noise where it already, we need to make holes in it….
[“Adjust my mic level”]
In a dream all the things that deserve it would get the proper respect
Not get bludgeoned to death by useless information
Great things get lost in the fight to be heard, but the stronger ones spring up from the ashes ready to breed in the airwaves
Ye-ah-eah-eahhhhhhh In the airwaves…yeah…
In a dream all the things that deserve it would get the proper respect not get bludgeoned to death by useless information.
[“Get down to it”]
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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.
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.