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.
This is the getaway I've been looking forward to
And it wasn't even planned
The only rule is "nothing can be familiar"
Because it's better if we're lost
Well I could see the city lights staring back at me
Begging me to come back home
Well I could see a fire in the distance
I never thought I'd be a part of it
Where have all my weekends gone?
Summer's taking way too long
Wish every night could be like this
Escaping reality, pure bliss
We're running through the darkness scared out of our minds
This uphill road keeps winding and we turn the music off
So we can hear the engine
And see if we're going to make it
But it wouldn't be so bad
To be stuck up here tonight
Well I could see the city lights staring back at me
Begging me to come back home
Well I could see a fire in the distance
I never thought I'd be a part of it
Up here on this hillside
Everything seems right
Everything is so peaceful tonight
I could see the city lights staring back at me
Begging me to come back home
I could see a fire in the distance
I never thought I'd be a part of it
I could see
A fire in the distance
Never thought
I'd be a part of it
I could see
A fire in the distance
Never thought
I'd be a part of it
And it wasn't even planned
The only rule is "nothing can be familiar"
Because it's better if we're lost
Well I could see the city lights staring back at me
Begging me to come back home
Well I could see a fire in the distance
I never thought I'd be a part of it
Where have all my weekends gone?
Summer's taking way too long
Wish every night could be like this
Escaping reality, pure bliss
We're running through the darkness scared out of our minds
This uphill road keeps winding and we turn the music off
So we can hear the engine
And see if we're going to make it
But it wouldn't be so bad
To be stuck up here tonight
Well I could see the city lights staring back at me
Begging me to come back home
Well I could see a fire in the distance
I never thought I'd be a part of it
Up here on this hillside
Everything seems right
Everything is so peaceful tonight
I could see the city lights staring back at me
Begging me to come back home
I could see a fire in the distance
I never thought I'd be a part of it
I could see
A fire in the distance
Never thought
I'd be a part of it
I could see
A fire in the distance
Never thought
I'd be a part of it
Lyrics submitted by fedorov1fan
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.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.