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.
They say you came from heaven but I know that's not the truth,
'Cause I don't think an angel could look anything like you,
Your eyes are made from sapphires and your heart is made from stone,
You gotta be the closest thing to hate I've ever known,
And if I didn't know better I'd say you had come alone to the party.
Oh yeah.
The light is always shining, but you swear that it's gone black,
The tide is always turning, but you're never looking back,
If I didn't know better I'd say times were pretty bad,
Because Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, gonna die.
The gifts you bring are fire, and your dreams they turned to dust,
Your flying days are over, and your wings have turned to rust.
If I didn't know better, I'd say all you had is lost,
Because Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, gonna die.
If you swallow just a little pride, you might find a little love inside,
Open up and let somebody in, 'cause if you need somebody,
You know it's not a sin.
Rusty Angels they can't fly, Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly, no, Rusty Angels gonna die,
Gonna die, yeah, you can't fly, oh no,
Gonna die, oh yeah, you can't fly, oh no.
'Cause I don't think an angel could look anything like you,
Your eyes are made from sapphires and your heart is made from stone,
You gotta be the closest thing to hate I've ever known,
And if I didn't know better I'd say you had come alone to the party.
Oh yeah.
The light is always shining, but you swear that it's gone black,
The tide is always turning, but you're never looking back,
If I didn't know better I'd say times were pretty bad,
Because Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, gonna die.
The gifts you bring are fire, and your dreams they turned to dust,
Your flying days are over, and your wings have turned to rust.
If I didn't know better, I'd say all you had is lost,
Because Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, gonna die.
If you swallow just a little pride, you might find a little love inside,
Open up and let somebody in, 'cause if you need somebody,
You know it's not a sin.
Rusty Angels they can't fly, Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly, no, Rusty Angels gonna die,
Gonna die, yeah, you can't fly, oh no,
Gonna die, oh yeah, you can't fly, oh no.
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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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@[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.
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“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.
Song is about posers, especially chicks...self -absorbed bimbos that will eventually die alone when their looks go south. The attitude these folks have carry a realtively short life span.