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.
When April passes by, she thinks of saying bye
She tells her mother, I am not afraid
Of dying in the bath, or swinging from up here
She asks her mother if she slept with strangers
Phantom was the bright way out
Of all the things her mother said
A whisper to her scream
An Autumn in my green
December, hello frost
Her mother would say "dad
I don't know where April went"
She ran out in nature
She ran out in nature
She ran out in nature
She ran out in nature, ah
She ran out in nature
I found the Phantom would go
Across the river and hide from all the suffering
Like the shades of trees
Take off my dress and flow into the stuff we're in
She ran out in nature
What'd she find?
She ran out in nature
Where'd she go?
She ran out in nature
Phantom light
She ran out in nature
Take her home
Everybody wants it!
Aah, can't you see me waste it?
She ran out in nature
We've gotta buy our land
When they go out and take all the stuff we're in
We've got neither reachin' for the stars
And beg and keep us sufferin'
She ran out in nature
What'd she find?
She ran out in nature
Where'd she go?
She ran out in nature
Can't somebody
She ran out in nature
Take her home?
Everybody wants it!
Aah, can't you see me waste it?
I finally see a baby girl
I'm sorry April, but you'll be fine 'til then
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
When I sleep around, and you're on top
A frenzy April, then we ride again
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
And in the end, your mother knows
I'm sorry April, but a child grows
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I am
Watch me as I lead the way
From infancy to grown up babies
Phantom, please put on my make-up!
I am breathin', I'll keep callin'
Phantom, you're all white and naked!
Have your baby, I'll keep callin'
I'm not right, I'm not fakin'!
I am burnin', and I'm shakin'
April, no, it's just a spirit!
I am there, end is nearin'
April and the Phantom
They were just like lovers
Always sneakin' kisses for the weekend
Everything's just okay with me
Everything's just alright with
April and the Phantom spoke in secret code
Until they buried Phantom by the road
Everything's just alright with me
Everything's just alright with Phantom
Kid has got no friends
Kid has got no friends at all
She tells her mother, I am not afraid
Of dying in the bath, or swinging from up here
She asks her mother if she slept with strangers
Phantom was the bright way out
Of all the things her mother said
A whisper to her scream
An Autumn in my green
December, hello frost
Her mother would say "dad
I don't know where April went"
She ran out in nature
She ran out in nature
She ran out in nature
She ran out in nature, ah
She ran out in nature
I found the Phantom would go
Across the river and hide from all the suffering
Like the shades of trees
Take off my dress and flow into the stuff we're in
She ran out in nature
What'd she find?
She ran out in nature
Where'd she go?
She ran out in nature
Phantom light
She ran out in nature
Take her home
Everybody wants it!
Aah, can't you see me waste it?
She ran out in nature
We've gotta buy our land
When they go out and take all the stuff we're in
We've got neither reachin' for the stars
And beg and keep us sufferin'
She ran out in nature
What'd she find?
She ran out in nature
Where'd she go?
She ran out in nature
Can't somebody
She ran out in nature
Take her home?
Everybody wants it!
Aah, can't you see me waste it?
I finally see a baby girl
I'm sorry April, but you'll be fine 'til then
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
When I sleep around, and you're on top
A frenzy April, then we ride again
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
And in the end, your mother knows
I'm sorry April, but a child grows
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I'm the Phantom
I am
Watch me as I lead the way
From infancy to grown up babies
Phantom, please put on my make-up!
I am breathin', I'll keep callin'
Phantom, you're all white and naked!
Have your baby, I'll keep callin'
I'm not right, I'm not fakin'!
I am burnin', and I'm shakin'
April, no, it's just a spirit!
I am there, end is nearin'
April and the Phantom
They were just like lovers
Always sneakin' kisses for the weekend
Everything's just okay with me
Everything's just alright with
April and the Phantom spoke in secret code
Until they buried Phantom by the road
Everything's just alright with me
Everything's just alright with Phantom
Kid has got no friends
Kid has got no friends at all
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
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.
ya, whos katy?
Katydids are insects. It was just a clever reference to the name.<br /> "katy did it"