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.
Remember when our so-called friend would not call out to you while tumbling loosely out a hole punched through your home? It's pretty clear, though you could hear, you truly finally knew, in time, he'd tell his tale the way he'd like it told.
Now he isn't on the phone, and his story might as well be so.
Well, loving is as loving does, and I'd say we should know, because we both have loved, have lost, and are alone. Your face's falling tears, to me they're lovely and they're dear, though you don't love me and it's clear that I will never see you in my arms. There's no room in your heart for even this finely-sharpened dart; although I had started to think there might be hope, it isn't so.
So wake up, make up some new song again around the same tune. The water cools, the leaves they fall, the sun it bends, the summer ends; our so-called friend doesn't need you.
So proceed out the door and down the street. December's lying near, but in the oven's heat this house is now a home. Sixty days of trips and stays you took to tell me, dear, that you cannot love me because you secretly still love a stone. Although I put my lips to your face, trying to push his kiss out of its place, although my heart started to race, now it has slowed, I'll let it go.
Now he isn't on the phone, and his story might as well be so.
Well, loving is as loving does, and I'd say we should know, because we both have loved, have lost, and are alone. Your face's falling tears, to me they're lovely and they're dear, though you don't love me and it's clear that I will never see you in my arms. There's no room in your heart for even this finely-sharpened dart; although I had started to think there might be hope, it isn't so.
So wake up, make up some new song again around the same tune. The water cools, the leaves they fall, the sun it bends, the summer ends; our so-called friend doesn't need you.
So proceed out the door and down the street. December's lying near, but in the oven's heat this house is now a home. Sixty days of trips and stays you took to tell me, dear, that you cannot love me because you secretly still love a stone. Although I put my lips to your face, trying to push his kiss out of its place, although my heart started to race, now it has slowed, I'll let it go.
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
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.
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,
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.
I think Sheff's songs resist easy "meaning". All of you sound right, but sometimes his songs are dominated by language itself, not its meaning. The opening line alone is proof of that.
I agree with you 100%.
Do you ever feel guilty while listening to this CD? It's like reading another's email or journal. The lyrics are very personal and intimate. You know what you're doing is wrong, but you can't tear your eyes away.
this song's about unrequited love. he's digging this girl who is still attached to someone else. the guy goes and visits her all the time and she's only sort of receptive, and he decides its time to "wake up, make up some new song again" and realize that it's over.
this song is the story of my life.
i think we've all definitely been there...ive felt everything this man is singing about, this is genius and i want to have his okkervil river babies.
this song is about the pathetic lack of resistance some people feel when you're trying to detach your emotions from someone who is unreceptive and convientiently reaches for the so-called "friend" card. i love will's ruminations and self-encouragements.
a man died leaving his girlfriend and a friend, "we both have loved, have lost, and are alone". and they can't be together because she cannot forget about him "you secretly still love a stone" (as in headstone). the guy is trying to get her to see that it isnt worth it and she should move "So wake up, make up some new song again around the same tune", "the summer ends; our so-called friend doesn’t need you." sad all in all if you think of it that way. ciao
So proceed out the door and down the street. December’s lying near, but in the oven’s heat this house is now a home. Sixty days of trips and stays you took to tell me, dear, that you cannot love me because you secretly still love a stone. Although I put my lips to your face, trying to push his kiss out of its place, although my heart started to race, now it has slowed, I’ll let it go.
enough said.
will is a genius.
This song goes back to A Stone. It's the person who you fall in love with who in turns love someone else who will never love them. It's sort of cruel irony everyone loving someone who will never love them back. This song though seems to be about coming to terms with that seeing she will never love you back instead she still loves that guy who will never love her.
I absolutely agree with sternj, it's the language that makes this song what it is. It amazes me how clever and perfect each word fits in this song.
it's so simple. but so heavy at the same time.
it makes you appreciate what a powerful song can accomplish.