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 other day we talked so long about our history
And all that had gone wrong, big hardcore mystery
And images I keep, so vivid, buried deep
Of days gone by, there is no reason why
A new day, a new time
Why don't we let the kids give it a try?
A new way, a new plan
Why should we get what we don't understand?
Let us accomplishments speak loud, why shouldn't we be proud?
A lot has happened since big hardcore influence
Some even tried to steal the name but it wasn't the same
If our best days are behind, let's hope some kids will find...
A new day, a new time
Why don't we let the kids give it a try?
A new way, a new plan
Why should we get what we don't understand?
And all that had gone wrong, big hardcore mystery
And images I keep, so vivid, buried deep
Of days gone by, there is no reason why
A new day, a new time
Why don't we let the kids give it a try?
A new way, a new plan
Why should we get what we don't understand?
Let us accomplishments speak loud, why shouldn't we be proud?
A lot has happened since big hardcore influence
Some even tried to steal the name but it wasn't the same
If our best days are behind, let's hope some kids will find...
A new day, a new time
Why don't we let the kids give it a try?
A new way, a new plan
Why should we get what we don't understand?
Lyrics submitted by punkpirate
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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.
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Great version of a great song,
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Your interpretation sounds good and it does seem sad and pathetic. Sounds like they've given up.