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.
Forgive me this sin
I'm falling over
Flashing tin grins
And rolling in clover
So ready to get out
And eager to please
Well, it's late in the day in the middle of a life
But it's early in the century
I never got it, I never got it before
Hey, hello, how do you get on
With so much undone, it's like it was before
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
Forgive me my tongue
It doesn't know what it's doing
It used to get washed out
Now it's undisciplined and crude
I'm losing my language
And calling a truce
And the shape of the thoughts in my head
Aren't right for the words I've got to use
I got it never, never it got I before
Hey, hello, how do you get on
With so much undone, and still you shine like a sun
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
White dwarf, red giant
It's empty in space
And where there's matter there's violence
I never got it, I never got it before
Hey, hello, how do you get on
With so much undone, and still you shine like a sun
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
I'm falling over
Flashing tin grins
And rolling in clover
So ready to get out
And eager to please
Well, it's late in the day in the middle of a life
But it's early in the century
I never got it, I never got it before
Hey, hello, how do you get on
With so much undone, it's like it was before
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
Forgive me my tongue
It doesn't know what it's doing
It used to get washed out
Now it's undisciplined and crude
I'm losing my language
And calling a truce
And the shape of the thoughts in my head
Aren't right for the words I've got to use
I got it never, never it got I before
Hey, hello, how do you get on
With so much undone, and still you shine like a sun
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
White dwarf, red giant
It's empty in space
And where there's matter there's violence
I never got it, I never got it before
Hey, hello, how do you get on
With so much undone, and still you shine like a sun
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
We've both got a lot to be thankful for
Lyrics submitted by planetearth
Thankful Lyrics as written by Jill Phillips
Lyrics © COMPASS RECORDS GROUP INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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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.
I would agree Mitchious05 is off on the meaning. I don't hear that at all.
What I hear has more to do with the state of the world and us as temporary creatures here. This particular section gives the most evidence to my interpretation:
White dwarf, red giant It's empty in space And where there's matter there's violence I never got it, I never got it before
The protagonist is constantly coming to terms with what it all means, existentialism, and speaks out against his (and all of our) eventual fate in dying. His language ultimately fails him in this case because who can possibly explain the complexities of life, death, and why we're even here?
Although having said all of that he comes to the not so bitter conclusion that "we have a lot to be thankful for". It's a bit tongue in cheek maybe, but also very true if you consider his ability to live before dying.