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.
The sanest days are mad
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the price very closely
Some men here
They have a special interest in your career
They want to help you to grow
And then siphon all your dough
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the glass hidden in the grass
You'll never believe me
So why don't you find out for yourself?
Sick down to my heart, that's just the way it goes
Some men here
They know the full extent of your distress
They kneel and pray and they say
Long may it last
Why don't you find out for youself?
Then you'll see the glass hidden in the grass
Bad scenes come and go
For which you must allow
Sick down to my heart, that's just the way it goes
Don't rake up my mistakes
I know exactly what they are
And what do you do
Well, you sit there
I've been stabbed in the back
So many many times
I don't have any skin
But that's just the way it goes
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the price very closely
Some men here
They have a special interest in your career
They want to help you to grow
And then siphon all your dough
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the glass hidden in the grass
You'll never believe me
So why don't you find out for yourself?
Sick down to my heart, that's just the way it goes
Some men here
They know the full extent of your distress
They kneel and pray and they say
Long may it last
Why don't you find out for youself?
Then you'll see the glass hidden in the grass
Bad scenes come and go
For which you must allow
Sick down to my heart, that's just the way it goes
Don't rake up my mistakes
I know exactly what they are
And what do you do
Well, you sit there
I've been stabbed in the back
So many many times
I don't have any skin
But that's just the way it goes
Lyrics submitted by Darklycute00, edited by Mellow_Harsher
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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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I agree Xtina, the synths kill some songs a-la Everything Will Be Alright