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.
Because of you I will always go to Memphis
Because of you it will always feel like home
I should have known the right answer was the simplest
I should have trusted in the things I've always known
I was unprepared for feeling like I do
And I was unprepared for all the things that came along with you
So I'm sorry
That I couldn't save you
That I couldn't be what you needed
Please forgive me
Oh you know I tried
Cuz I'm still on my hands and knees
You'd better believe
That I'd stay here till you could pull us up
Oh but baby, I guess sometimes love is not enough
Because of you I may always need a light on
Just to prove what I feel is just your ghost
And baby because of you I'll never drink too much
And I'll never understand how one drop could drown me
How it could steal your love
So I'm sorry
That I couldn't save you
That I couldn't be what you needed
Please forgive me
Oh you know I tried
Cuz I'm still on my hands and knees
You'd better believe
That I'd stay here till you could pull us up
Oh but baby, I guess sometimes love is not enough
Sometimes when the wind blows
I'll pretend that is you
Telling me its not my fault
That I couldn't get through
And baby I'll always be sorry
That I couldn't save you
I could not save you
Please forgive me
Oh you know I've tried
Cause I am still on my hands and knees
You'd better believe that I'd stay here Till you could pull us up Oh, but baby, I guess sometimes love is not enough
Because of you I will always go to Memphis
Because of you it will always feel like home
I should have known the right answer was the simplest
I should have trusted in the things I've always known
I was unprepared for feeling like I do
And I was unprepared for all the things that came along with you
So I'm sorry
That I couldn't save you
That I couldn't be what you needed
Please forgive me
Oh you know I tried
Cuz I'm still on my hands and knees
You'd better believe
That I'd stay here till you could pull us up
Oh but baby, I guess sometimes love is not enough
Because of you I may always need a light on
Just to prove what I feel is just your ghost
And baby because of you I'll never drink too much
And I'll never understand how one drop could drown me
How it could steal your love
So I'm sorry
That I couldn't save you
That I couldn't be what you needed
Please forgive me
Oh you know I tried
Cuz I'm still on my hands and knees
You'd better believe
That I'd stay here till you could pull us up
Oh but baby, I guess sometimes love is not enough
Sometimes when the wind blows
I'll pretend that is you
Telling me its not my fault
That I couldn't get through
And baby I'll always be sorry
That I couldn't save you
I could not save you
Please forgive me
Oh you know I've tried
Cause I am still on my hands and knees
You'd better believe that I'd stay here Till you could pull us up Oh, but baby, I guess sometimes love is not enough
Because of you I will always go to Memphis
Lyrics submitted by finallyfree
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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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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.
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This is such a beautiful song. I think this song is really about being in a relationship and wanting to save someone so much but really never being able to allow yourself or the other person to be saved. With that, guilt can get the best of you and that is really what this song is. It's guilt, confusion, and misery all mixed to make an awesome acoustic song. Jessica Harp is extremelly talented.