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.
Nothing 'round here to me that's sacred 'cept you, yeah you
There's nothing 'round here to be that better 'cept you, yeah you
You're the one that reaches me, you're the one that I admire
Every time we meet together I feel like I'm on fire
Nothing matters to me and there's nothing I desire
'Cept you, yeah you
Nothing 'round here I care to try for 'cept you, yeah you
Got nothing here to live or die for 'cept you, yeah you
There's a hymn I used to hear in the churches all the time
Make me feel so good inside, so peaceful, so sublime
Now there's nothing that reminds me of that old familiar chime
'Cept you, yeah you
Used to roll in the cemetery
Dance and run and sing when I was a child
And it never seemed strange, now I just pass mournfully
By that place where the bones of life are piled
I know somethin' has changed
I'm a stranger here and no one sees me 'cept you, yeah you
Nothing any more seems to please me 'cept you, yeah you
Nothing hypnotizes me or holds me in a spell
Everything runs by me just like water from a well
Everybody wants my attention
Everybody's got something to sell
'Cept you, yeah you, I'm in love with you
There's nothing 'round here to be that better 'cept you, yeah you
You're the one that reaches me, you're the one that I admire
Every time we meet together I feel like I'm on fire
Nothing matters to me and there's nothing I desire
'Cept you, yeah you
Nothing 'round here I care to try for 'cept you, yeah you
Got nothing here to live or die for 'cept you, yeah you
There's a hymn I used to hear in the churches all the time
Make me feel so good inside, so peaceful, so sublime
Now there's nothing that reminds me of that old familiar chime
'Cept you, yeah you
Used to roll in the cemetery
Dance and run and sing when I was a child
And it never seemed strange, now I just pass mournfully
By that place where the bones of life are piled
I know somethin' has changed
I'm a stranger here and no one sees me 'cept you, yeah you
Nothing any more seems to please me 'cept you, yeah you
Nothing hypnotizes me or holds me in a spell
Everything runs by me just like water from a well
Everybody wants my attention
Everybody's got something to sell
'Cept you, yeah you, I'm in love with you
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.
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
One of the most simple yet heart wrenchingly true-to-life meanings a song could have - his girl is his everything.
"Used to run in the cemetery Dance and run and sing when I was a child And it never seemed strange Now I just pass mournfully By that place where the bones of life are piled I know somethin' has changed"
Just, wow.
One of the most amazing/underrated songs of all time.