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.
We get our nerves of steel
When the balaclavas go on
We're just not used to ourselves
If it pays then it sells our hides
I wake for every meal
But I still set a place for you
We're looking out for you son
We fear the worst but it's done
The factory has treated you well
The coals burn colder
But in a part of the heart of the hearth
It still swells
When the balaclavas go on
We're just not used to ourselves
If it pays then it sells our hides
I wake for every meal
But I still set a place for you
We're looking out for you son
We fear the worst but it's done
The factory has treated you well
The coals burn colder
But in a part of the heart of the hearth
It still swells
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
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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”
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
theyr even playing glastonbury and the carling weekend im so gunna see them at leeds fest
:/ they definitely deserve success, and their music is amazing, but i hope they will survive the idiots at mtv and other mainstream facets.
indierockess, i totally agree with you. i love tokyo police club & i would seriously hate to see their music as background music for some dumbass new tv shows on MTV.
This song must be about how one must work for a living in a brutal factory, but its not too bad; hence the factory has treated you well. Its about how a man must do what a man must do and although its hard, in the end its worth it.
on year ago today, april 22 2006, my friend said these exact words: "in a year, tokyo police club will be the biggest new band to come out of canada. they will even be playing coachella." i, of course, scoffed at her and was like "yeah, what next, will broken social scene fly?" ahh, if only i knew how right she was and how wrong i am. i stand corrected, e.