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.
Adrenaline is flowing
Your nervous fingers lightly drumming
Cords click into silver jacks
You flick the switch, the tubes are humming
The lights go down
The sweat is beading
Muscles tense, your heart is speeding
It's so loud it feels like heaven
Crank these amps up to eleven
All our lives
We've kept the meaning hidden deep inside
All our lives
Were somehow made for this, to amplify
We dream, we cry
To amplify
We live, we die
To amplify
Feedback speaks of caliber
The wires wrapping 'round
We fall beneath these walls
Of unimpended sound
And here at last, the final notes
The song has sung its course
Everything that we have saved
We'll scream until we're hoarse
We were born to amplify
Scales drop from once blind eyes
We turn and glorify
Your nervous fingers lightly drumming
Cords click into silver jacks
You flick the switch, the tubes are humming
The lights go down
The sweat is beading
Muscles tense, your heart is speeding
It's so loud it feels like heaven
Crank these amps up to eleven
All our lives
We've kept the meaning hidden deep inside
All our lives
Were somehow made for this, to amplify
We dream, we cry
To amplify
We live, we die
To amplify
Feedback speaks of caliber
The wires wrapping 'round
We fall beneath these walls
Of unimpended sound
And here at last, the final notes
The song has sung its course
Everything that we have saved
We'll scream until we're hoarse
We were born to amplify
Scales drop from once blind eyes
We turn and glorify
Lyrics submitted by musicandnintendo
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
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."
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/
this song is about the amplifying and glorifying Jesus through our lives. the first verse talks about the nervousness of being the representative of Christ and the bridge talks about is about amplifying what God has given us until we cannot anymore
i luv this song
great song. love the opening guitar. One of my favorite songs on this album
Very good ionterpretation redgrindle, I'd agree 100%. Love love love this song, and band.
More specifically, I think this song is about amplifying and glorifying God through music. Reese is exploring how, through all the details of performing a show (verses 1 & 2), his main purpose in his music is to amplify JC. In the prechorus, chorus and bridge Reese makes it clear that that is what he sees as the purpose of his existence, so naturally it is that message, not the music itself, that he wants to amplify.
its sad you kno. i know roper to be a christian but if we are really trying to reach a dying world where is God in this song...amplify what ya know? well i guess its plain enough for me as a christian but what about a non believer?
I know what you mean doin research, but I don't think this song is meant for an unbeliever. This song is more to show the Christians who listen to Roper, how he views his music. This is not one of those song you give to a friend to git him into Christianity.
By the way OnDistantShores I think you just explained this song perfectly.
I'm not a christian, but i love FIF, Brave Saint Saturn and Roper, mostly because the talent pouring from reese is amazing... but as i am not a christian, it means something totally different to me... being a musician, i live to amplify... but i agree that the intended meaning is the one discussed above...
why is it that just cos its a christian band, every song seemingly HAS to be about god?? to me this is just about the adrenalin an joy of bein on stage an playin music, cos it is a glorious feeling when ya up there
why is it that just cos its a christian band, every song seemingly HAS to be about god?? to me this is just about the adrenalin an joy of bein on stage an playin music, cos it is a glorious feeling when ya up there