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 other night I had a dream
It unfolded to the silver screen
A tragic fire, some tears were shed
I woke to find our hero dead
And wonder, "What if this was me?"
If my life was cinematic
With a soundtrack so dramatic
You'd be the hero and You would save me
And it would have the sweetest ending
I want to live in such a way
That when I'm gone my friends would say
That if my life was turned to film
I'd be standing on a mountain shouting victory in the end
But in my heart I know it's only true
If I'm supporting actor and the Oscar goes to You
If my life was cinematic
With a soundtrack so dramatic
You'd be the hero and You would save me
And it would have the sweetest ending
I don't want to let You down
I want to make you proud
If anyone is watching me
I want to make it count for something
What if it ended here?
What if the credits rolled now?
What would the critics say?
Would it be the biggest let down?
If my life was cinematic
With a soundtrack so dramatic
You'd be the hero and You would save me
And it would have the sweetest ending
It unfolded to the silver screen
A tragic fire, some tears were shed
I woke to find our hero dead
And wonder, "What if this was me?"
If my life was cinematic
With a soundtrack so dramatic
You'd be the hero and You would save me
And it would have the sweetest ending
I want to live in such a way
That when I'm gone my friends would say
That if my life was turned to film
I'd be standing on a mountain shouting victory in the end
But in my heart I know it's only true
If I'm supporting actor and the Oscar goes to You
If my life was cinematic
With a soundtrack so dramatic
You'd be the hero and You would save me
And it would have the sweetest ending
I don't want to let You down
I want to make you proud
If anyone is watching me
I want to make it count for something
What if it ended here?
What if the credits rolled now?
What would the critics say?
Would it be the biggest let down?
If my life was cinematic
With a soundtrack so dramatic
You'd be the hero and You would save me
And it would have the sweetest ending
Lyrics submitted by jsparisinflames
Cinematic Lyrics as written by Vincent Paul Scheuerman
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
This is so amazing. The words and how they relate to Jesus. It's so awesome. I only hope I can live a life that's "cinematic".