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.
Danger bird, he flies alone
And he rides the wind back to his home
Although his wings have turned to stone
And we used to be so calm
Now I think about you all day long
(That's the moment that he cracked)
'Cause you've been with another man (long ago in the museum with his friends)
There you are and here I am
The jailbird takes a rap
And then finds himself spread-eagled on the track
But the training that he learned would get him nowhere fast
And I know we should be free
But freedom's just a prison to me (rain pounding on his back)
(He recalls the moment that he cracked)
'Cause I lied to keep it kind (long ago in the museum with his friends)
When I left you far behind (like those memories, the rain)
(Just keeps poundin' down, down, down)
And though these wings have turned to stone
I can fly, fly, fly away
Watch me fly above the city
Like a shadow on the sky
Fly, fly, fly
Fly, fly, fly
Fly, fly, fly
And he rides the wind back to his home
Although his wings have turned to stone
And we used to be so calm
Now I think about you all day long
(That's the moment that he cracked)
'Cause you've been with another man (long ago in the museum with his friends)
There you are and here I am
The jailbird takes a rap
And then finds himself spread-eagled on the track
But the training that he learned would get him nowhere fast
And I know we should be free
But freedom's just a prison to me (rain pounding on his back)
(He recalls the moment that he cracked)
'Cause I lied to keep it kind (long ago in the museum with his friends)
When I left you far behind (like those memories, the rain)
(Just keeps poundin' down, down, down)
And though these wings have turned to stone
I can fly, fly, fly away
Watch me fly above the city
Like a shadow on the sky
Fly, fly, fly
Fly, fly, fly
Fly, fly, fly
Lyrics submitted by danger bird, edited by smallwonderrobot
Danger Bird Lyrics as written by Neil Young
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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