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.
Feeling slim feeling old
'Cause these words I haven't sold
Set it out
Say it clean and these bitter bitter leaves
Are blowing in
Bringing down this pretty useless town
It's a useless town
Don't want to try
Don't want to listen now
I'd like to change you
I'd like to change you but lift you higher
'Cause there's no
Higher ground
There's too much trouble here
I wish these days would leave this town
And I have brittle bones
I wear my shallow grin
And spread my wickedness around
Quarter leg a quart of mace
Is a measure of my taste
A taste of sin
A taste of ill and these bitter bitter pills
Are flowing in
This is all
These relations on my wall
They're on my floor
Don't want to turn
Don't want to turn on you
I'd like to break him
I'd like to break him but treat his bride
But there's no
Higher ground
There's too much trouble here
I wish these days would leave this town
And I have brittle bones
I wear my shallow grin
And spread my wickedness around
'Cause these words I haven't sold
Set it out
Say it clean and these bitter bitter leaves
Are blowing in
Bringing down this pretty useless town
It's a useless town
Don't want to try
Don't want to listen now
I'd like to change you
I'd like to change you but lift you higher
'Cause there's no
Higher ground
There's too much trouble here
I wish these days would leave this town
And I have brittle bones
I wear my shallow grin
And spread my wickedness around
Quarter leg a quart of mace
Is a measure of my taste
A taste of sin
A taste of ill and these bitter bitter pills
Are flowing in
This is all
These relations on my wall
They're on my floor
Don't want to turn
Don't want to turn on you
I'd like to break him
I'd like to break him but treat his bride
But there's no
Higher ground
There's too much trouble here
I wish these days would leave this town
And I have brittle bones
I wear my shallow grin
And spread my wickedness around
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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.
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The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
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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.