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.
Hang around Willy Boy
Don't you raise the sails anymore
It's for sure
That I spent my whole life at sea
And I'm pushin' age 73
And there's only one place that was meant for me
Oh to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Billy
We're gonna sooth away the rest of our years
We're gonna put away all of our tears
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Slow down Willy Boy
Your hearts gonna give right out on you
It's true
And I believe I know what I should do
Turn the stern and point to shore
The seven seas won't carry us no more
Oh to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Billy
I can't wait to sniff that air
Dip and snuff I won't have no care
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Hear the sound Willy Boy
The Flyin' Dutchman's on the reef
It's my belief
That we've used up all of our time
And the surf's to steep to climb
And the days that we made are worth the time
Oh to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Billy
Would have been nice just to see the folks
Missing once again to the stale jokes
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Oh to be home again
Oh to be home again
Oh to be home again
Oh to be home again
Don't you raise the sails anymore
It's for sure
That I spent my whole life at sea
And I'm pushin' age 73
And there's only one place that was meant for me
Oh to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Billy
We're gonna sooth away the rest of our years
We're gonna put away all of our tears
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Slow down Willy Boy
Your hearts gonna give right out on you
It's true
And I believe I know what I should do
Turn the stern and point to shore
The seven seas won't carry us no more
Oh to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Billy
I can't wait to sniff that air
Dip and snuff I won't have no care
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Hear the sound Willy Boy
The Flyin' Dutchman's on the reef
It's my belief
That we've used up all of our time
And the surf's to steep to climb
And the days that we made are worth the time
Oh to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Billy
Would have been nice just to see the folks
Missing once again to the stale jokes
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Oh to be home again
Oh to be home again
Oh to be home again
Oh to be home again
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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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The lyrics speak for themselves. Originally recorded by The Band.
Only one comment? Sad. But this song is awesome!
A man reflects on his life with nosthalgia and regret. The original version (by The Band) has one more verse.
I beleive it might be interpreted differently now...I see a reference Meth/drug use and feeling old before your time. The reference to the Flying Dutchman, Ragtime Willy, and old Virginny could each represent good friends and/or old haunts while the seven seas and rocking chairs are meant to represent ideas like wild adventure vs. a stead and sober life.