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 had to choose, which one to lose
I couldn't do it for they each had their use
It was so hard, tearing apart
Now I know you gotta get it right at the start
I learnt my lesson now
I learnt it the hard way
If you wanna be in love
You've gotta pay and pay and pay
After the pain that was suffered in vain
The dark roads we travelled, with nothing to gain
And though the pleasures, will always be treasured
It's a shame it came to such drastic measures
Indecision, lack of conviction
Slurred diction failing what you're trying to say
If you are a slave to love
You’re gonna pay and pay and pay
Our flightpath’s a gradual descent, from the firmament
I can tell by the tone of the letters you sent
What was once sacred, is now full of hatred
How come such love can be dissipated?
I've had enough of all this poison and decay
If you wanna come face to face with love
You've gotta pay and pay and pay
I couldn't do it for they each had their use
It was so hard, tearing apart
Now I know you gotta get it right at the start
I learnt my lesson now
I learnt it the hard way
If you wanna be in love
You've gotta pay and pay and pay
After the pain that was suffered in vain
The dark roads we travelled, with nothing to gain
And though the pleasures, will always be treasured
It's a shame it came to such drastic measures
Indecision, lack of conviction
Slurred diction failing what you're trying to say
If you are a slave to love
You’re gonna pay and pay and pay
Our flightpath’s a gradual descent, from the firmament
I can tell by the tone of the letters you sent
What was once sacred, is now full of hatred
How come such love can be dissipated?
I've had enough of all this poison and decay
If you wanna come face to face with love
You've gotta pay and pay and pay
Lyrics submitted by heartbeats_xxx
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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”
I actually think it's "I couldn't do it cause they each had their use".. I don't know, just seems to be make more sense that way.
@cornersoul Yeah it is definitely "use" so I updated it. Cheers
had their views Slurred diction masking