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.
Suppose you were to run away
Before I scream and shout
Believe and I shall understand
When everyone's found out
See what you do to me
With every word you say
Yes I will play the fool again
But not before you've paid
All the, way down
We'll figure this out
And then I wanna be alone
So close to hatred I won't survive this
I shouldn't have stayed
You know I should have stayed home
Where the chances are that you'll live to fight this
If it's ok with you
I'll make it my mistake
There's nothing I can prove
I haven't slept in days
You long for sympathetic eyes
I long for safe and sound
Tell me was it really you
And then we hit the ground
And there was nothing left to lose
But you
We'll figure this out
And then I wanna be alone
So close to hatred I won't survive this
I shouldn't have stayed
You know I should have stayed home
Where the chances are that you'll live to fight this
We'll figure this out
And then I wanna be alone
So close to hatred I won't survive this
I shouldn't have stayed
You know I should have stayed home (with the lifeless)
Where the chances are that you'll live to fight this
Before I scream and shout
Believe and I shall understand
When everyone's found out
See what you do to me
With every word you say
Yes I will play the fool again
But not before you've paid
All the, way down
We'll figure this out
And then I wanna be alone
So close to hatred I won't survive this
I shouldn't have stayed
You know I should have stayed home
Where the chances are that you'll live to fight this
If it's ok with you
I'll make it my mistake
There's nothing I can prove
I haven't slept in days
You long for sympathetic eyes
I long for safe and sound
Tell me was it really you
And then we hit the ground
And there was nothing left to lose
But you
We'll figure this out
And then I wanna be alone
So close to hatred I won't survive this
I shouldn't have stayed
You know I should have stayed home
Where the chances are that you'll live to fight this
We'll figure this out
And then I wanna be alone
So close to hatred I won't survive this
I shouldn't have stayed
You know I should have stayed home (with the lifeless)
Where the chances are that you'll live to fight this
Lyrics submitted by Cruise2Use
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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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Great version of a great song,
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This song is love... Fantastic tune.
Buy Brigade's debut album 'Lights' and check out the band at brigadeworld.com
They're worth it! :)