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.
In this camp there's one who delights me
Brings me afternoon tea then she leaves me
When they're climbing over the sea
She helps to keep our strength complete
But I'd rather stay
'Cause the north is too far away
I wanted to marry Babette
And the weapons on my shoulders
I'd throw into seaweed banks
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
Unconquered seas
There's the horn call
Put your boots and courage on and run
I wanted to marry Babette
And the weapons on my shoulders
I'd throw into seaweed banks
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
Unconquered seas
I'm counting up all the lovely years
Since I had stepped inside
With the others in this lonely field
Who I fought beside
They mustn't mind
They must let me go to find
A site for my retire
Will this war
Capture your heart or more
And carry you down the shore
'Cause the north is too far away
I wanted to marry Babette
And the weapons on my shoulders
I'd throw into seaweed banks
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
Brings me afternoon tea then she leaves me
When they're climbing over the sea
She helps to keep our strength complete
But I'd rather stay
'Cause the north is too far away
I wanted to marry Babette
And the weapons on my shoulders
I'd throw into seaweed banks
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
Unconquered seas
There's the horn call
Put your boots and courage on and run
I wanted to marry Babette
And the weapons on my shoulders
I'd throw into seaweed banks
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
Unconquered seas
I'm counting up all the lovely years
Since I had stepped inside
With the others in this lonely field
Who I fought beside
They mustn't mind
They must let me go to find
A site for my retire
Will this war
Capture your heart or more
And carry you down the shore
'Cause the north is too far away
I wanted to marry Babette
And the weapons on my shoulders
I'd throw into seaweed banks
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
And the willows and the lime-trees
Were gathered there for us
Above the unconquered seas
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I think the lyrics speak for themselves, mostly, but I just wanted to share that I also think this is an incredible song. It's the best thing by Midlake, in my opinion. And it is heart-wrenching, like techno mentioned.