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.
Here on the ground
I cannot hear a sound
Just a strong and steady rain
Getting louder as you sing
It may be true that I lied
I broke a promise that I tried
But my heart no longer beats
My blood makes
Black dirt under your feet
Black dirt
Will stain your feet
And when you walk
You'll leave
Black dirt in the street
I could feel my face grow pale
Sick with fear my senses fail
And as the light fades from my eyes
I smile but don't know why
Legs are growing
To the heat of the sun
And my heart no longer beats
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Here on the ground I lie
I cannot hear a sound as I die
It may be true that I lied
Broke a promise that I tried
But my heart no longer beats
And when you kill you'll only leave
Black dirt under your feet
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
I cannot hear a sound
Just a strong and steady rain
Getting louder as you sing
It may be true that I lied
I broke a promise that I tried
But my heart no longer beats
My blood makes
Black dirt under your feet
Black dirt
Will stain your feet
And when you walk
You'll leave
Black dirt in the street
I could feel my face grow pale
Sick with fear my senses fail
And as the light fades from my eyes
I smile but don't know why
Legs are growing
To the heat of the sun
And my heart no longer beats
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Here on the ground I lie
I cannot hear a sound as I die
It may be true that I lied
Broke a promise that I tried
But my heart no longer beats
And when you kill you'll only leave
Black dirt under your feet
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Black dirt will stain your feet
And when you walk you'll leave
Black dirt in the street
Lyrics submitted by janeisagirlsname
Black Dirt Lyrics as written by Alex Brown Church
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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.
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.
great song. dark.