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.
This infection runs deep
Runs straight through my blood
I can’t keep it contained
And I find that even the thickest hearts
Can get burnt to a crisp
So I float away, float back to her
She rebuilds my heart with fake smiles
Then tears it down with one piercing gesture
Knocks me straight back to this painful state
My reflection in a blood-smeared mirror
Draws me near the surface of this pool of tears
And I break free, back to my home
Where I was raised knowing that our days are limited
As I look up to the stars at night
I cry, someone wipes the tears from my eyes
A tissue of sympathy
But I push it away
I need this now,
To know why I mourn
Why I cry
For someone that destroyed me
It must have been love
But its been burnt to crisp
I’m here waiting
For the ashes to wake
So I can take flight again
Runs straight through my blood
I can’t keep it contained
And I find that even the thickest hearts
Can get burnt to a crisp
So I float away, float back to her
She rebuilds my heart with fake smiles
Then tears it down with one piercing gesture
Knocks me straight back to this painful state
My reflection in a blood-smeared mirror
Draws me near the surface of this pool of tears
And I break free, back to my home
Where I was raised knowing that our days are limited
As I look up to the stars at night
I cry, someone wipes the tears from my eyes
A tissue of sympathy
But I push it away
I need this now,
To know why I mourn
Why I cry
For someone that destroyed me
It must have been love
But its been burnt to crisp
I’m here waiting
For the ashes to wake
So I can take flight again
Lyrics submitted by thursdayatreyu
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
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.