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 mime's conceit has conquered over real beauty
Grinning from a mask of hollowed bone
Where a human is somewhere to be found
But where I don't know
And things couldn't be better
From behind the halls we cannot pass
Hear the muffled traces of a boyish laugh
Hear the monster screaming "What have I become?"
Before his looking-glass
And things couldn't be better
This is one fine life
This is one fine wine
This is one fine wife
This is one fine lie
And things couldn't be better
They are the best
Grinning from a mask of hollowed bone
Where a human is somewhere to be found
But where I don't know
And things couldn't be better
From behind the halls we cannot pass
Hear the muffled traces of a boyish laugh
Hear the monster screaming "What have I become?"
Before his looking-glass
And things couldn't be better
This is one fine life
This is one fine wine
This is one fine wife
This is one fine lie
And things couldn't be better
They are the best
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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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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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
This about something my friend and I often refer to as "the domesticated life." It's basically about growing up and having a "fine life" with a "fine wife" drinking "fine wine," but everything being hollow and meaningless, but according to that "fine lie...things couldn't be better." You basically lose all the passion of your youth and mime a life that you're supposed to have. Or at least that's what I think.
Okay, that explanation did make sense, and it was a little deeper than what I always think of when I hear it.
Anytime I hear this song, all I can think of is Beauty and the Beast. I know I may be taking them a bit too literally, but if you read the lyrics and think about it it makes a lot of sense. Maybe I'm just shallow =p
I love the contrast of the upbeat riffs at the entrance of the song and the dark tomb-like slams later in... So good.
The fact that they add the lyrics from "World Apart" at the end, gives this song even more impact.
"Blood and death, we will pay back the debt For this candy store of ours."
amazing how it changes the mood during it's 5 minutes runtime. The crying woman in the end with the singing kids in the background give me the creeps!! it's like they're saying "who's laughing now, b*tch!?"