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.
Stranded at the light house
I think I saw my sister there
Oregon in light house
We are conjuring the surf and waves
A path to reach the alcove
And me barefoot far behind
Passing by the white house
An old man was mowing his lawn
And when I woke were still present in my mind
It was some dream
Some dream
Matthew lead the consort
We all stoned in disbelief
Clambered up the hillside
And I am cursing my naked feet
There above the ridge-line
Amidst the plants so overgrown
A cavern mouth and trailway
We all crouched the capered through
And at the end there was a hole through which we looked
To such heights
To such heights
It was some dream
I think I saw my sister there
Oregon in light house
We are conjuring the surf and waves
A path to reach the alcove
And me barefoot far behind
Passing by the white house
An old man was mowing his lawn
And when I woke were still present in my mind
It was some dream
Some dream
Matthew lead the consort
We all stoned in disbelief
Clambered up the hillside
And I am cursing my naked feet
There above the ridge-line
Amidst the plants so overgrown
A cavern mouth and trailway
We all crouched the capered through
And at the end there was a hole through which we looked
To such heights
To such heights
It was some dream
Lyrics submitted by toadtws
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.
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Absolutely beautiful. Even more beautiful is Colin singing it live - slower, more tender and passionate. The lyrics are simple but beautiful nonetheless - reminds me of Iron & Wine's effortless and simple poetic prose, although his songs are often layered with meaning. Devil's Elbow, to me, can be read and understood at face value. The title of the song is a scenic point along Oregon's coast. The line: "We are conjuring the surf and waves" - Defined, conjuring is the calling upon a devil or spirit by spell, but in this case, the waves - as if the characters in this song are summoning the waves themselves. I think this ties into the title of the song - Devil's Elbow - obviously a scenic viewpoint, but the line illustrates a double meaning.
Matthew led the group. They are exploring this place. He makes simple observations - an old man mowing his lawn, his bare feet a nuisance as he treks the trail. They find the entrance to a cave and enter it. I think the line is supposed to be: "We crouched AND capered through" - which would make more sense - crouched to get into the cave and scamper through it until they reach the end ("and at the end there was a hole through which we looked, to such heights, it was some dream") - they emerge high up, overlooking the coast, taking it all in and it is breathtaking, like a dream.
Whoever says music isn't good anymore, this song is just one example of all the reasons they are wrong. Love love love this song and Tarkio.