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.
I've been hiding, hiding for so long
Right behind my digital mask
I've been trying to be someone I'm not
All these perfectly fake people push us to insane ideals
They're nothing more than counterfeit images
That push me away, to bleed out the pain
Don't you dare make another move
[Chorus]
Put the knife away, that's not what anybody needs
There's a better way than everything now that you see
Stop comparing who you are to who you want to be
Let's step out beyond the surface
Don't give in to everything the world around tells you to be
Open up your mind release yourself
Stop the lying, stop comparing who you are to what you see
Never letting fear hold back the change
And push you away, to bleed out the pain
Don't you dare make another move
Right behind my digital mask
I've been trying to be someone I'm not
All these perfectly fake people push us to insane ideals
They're nothing more than counterfeit images
That push me away, to bleed out the pain
Don't you dare make another move
[Chorus]
Put the knife away, that's not what anybody needs
There's a better way than everything now that you see
Stop comparing who you are to who you want to be
Let's step out beyond the surface
Don't give in to everything the world around tells you to be
Open up your mind release yourself
Stop the lying, stop comparing who you are to what you see
Never letting fear hold back the change
And push you away, to bleed out the pain
Don't you dare make another move
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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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Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
Wow, I think this is my favourite song on this CD so far (and thats saying something considering this is one of my favourite CD's ever!! Kutless rule!)
In terms of what this song means to me, it seems to be referring to self-harm as a result of not matching up with the picture perfect images of the magazines. The song seems to be saying that these perfect images are not real - they are airbrushed, and the writer cries out to the listener not to compare themselves with these unrealistic ideals. The chorus cries particularly to someone sitting with a knife, feeling such worthlessness and self-hate at being unable to match these ideals that he/she plans to cut themselves, whether as self-harm or as a suicide attempt. The artist appeals to the person to "put the knife away, thats not what anybody needs, there';s a better way". Instead of comparing ourselves to magazine images, the 2nd verse tells us to be our true selves.