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.
They sent me to this prison for a crime I did outside
I killed a man and didn't hang but I might as well have died
For every minute that I live I know that death may call
You see his brother's here with me right inside these walls
And I don't even know his face but I'm sure that he knows mine
The eyes of death are watchin' me just bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time)
Each night they slam my lonely cell and turn the lights down low
And I can't close my eyes to sleep because somewhere I know
He's planning how he'll drive the knife into my poundin' heart
And Lord this just not knowing when will tear a man apart
He's just a number not a name and you'll get me from behind
The eyes of death are watchin' me just bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time)
Sometimes I think I'll try to walk and face the deadly guns
I'd either die or I'd be free to leave this place and run
This man he swore to make me pay but he'd rather see me cry
So he'll just play around with me while I wait to die
No prison ever held the man with a sentence just like mine
The eyes of death are watchin' me just bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time)
He's bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time) he's just bidin' his time
I killed a man and didn't hang but I might as well have died
For every minute that I live I know that death may call
You see his brother's here with me right inside these walls
And I don't even know his face but I'm sure that he knows mine
The eyes of death are watchin' me just bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time)
Each night they slam my lonely cell and turn the lights down low
And I can't close my eyes to sleep because somewhere I know
He's planning how he'll drive the knife into my poundin' heart
And Lord this just not knowing when will tear a man apart
He's just a number not a name and you'll get me from behind
The eyes of death are watchin' me just bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time)
Sometimes I think I'll try to walk and face the deadly guns
I'd either die or I'd be free to leave this place and run
This man he swore to make me pay but he'd rather see me cry
So he'll just play around with me while I wait to die
No prison ever held the man with a sentence just like mine
The eyes of death are watchin' me just bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time)
He's bidin' his time (oh Lord he takes his time) he's just bidin' his time
Lyrics submitted by ButNeverOutgunned
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.