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.
That's alright, that's okay
I can wait, you're still a fly
Eating through
Trying to live in the space you ate
But still, you're just a kid
You shouldn't read Dostoevsky at your age
’Cause that and nicotine will make you pale and lean
And twist your face like Mr. Grays
Religious manifests in paintings that you make
Or else your eyes will stay the same
Are you that hungry for a change
You're waking up
You're flying out
The door has sprung loose
Don't forget me
That's alright, that's okay
It’ll come out and It’ll say
What’re you doing here? I don’t want you to be anyway
And I’ll laugh and I’ll say
Hey baby
Maybe you would laugh a lot
Because that's not something I usually say
But that's the whole reason
That It got on the tip of my tongue
And that's still okay
You're waking up
You're flying out
The door has sprung loose
Don't forget me
And then it came and rained on down
From the sky and into my head
I tried to think but it was too fast
So I just said anything that came
You're waking up
You're flying out
The door has sprung loose
Don't forget me
I can wait, you're still a fly
Eating through
Trying to live in the space you ate
But still, you're just a kid
You shouldn't read Dostoevsky at your age
’Cause that and nicotine will make you pale and lean
And twist your face like Mr. Grays
Religious manifests in paintings that you make
Or else your eyes will stay the same
Are you that hungry for a change
You're waking up
You're flying out
The door has sprung loose
Don't forget me
That's alright, that's okay
It’ll come out and It’ll say
What’re you doing here? I don’t want you to be anyway
And I’ll laugh and I’ll say
Hey baby
Maybe you would laugh a lot
Because that's not something I usually say
But that's the whole reason
That It got on the tip of my tongue
And that's still okay
You're waking up
You're flying out
The door has sprung loose
Don't forget me
And then it came and rained on down
From the sky and into my head
I tried to think but it was too fast
So I just said anything that came
You're waking up
You're flying out
The door has sprung loose
Don't forget me
Lyrics submitted by Mirror Named Fear, edited by SecondFig
Still a Fly Lyrics as written by Willy Mason
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.
My favourite willy mason song, by a large margin. Surprised no-one else has commented on it. It has such a feeling of melancholy...
I think it is what it feels like to be a "precocious" child. Did you know willy mason was only 19 when this album was released? He is a smart guy.
I agree, this is my favourite of his songs. I saw a clip of him singing it and he said it was froma letter a fan had sent him and he just adapted it a little