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 met a little girl and i settled down
in a little house out on the edge of town
we got married, we swore we'd never part
then little by little we drifted from each other's heart
at first i thought it was just restlessness
that would fade as time went by and our love grew deep
but in the end there was more i guess
that tore us apart and made us weep
i'm riding a stolen bike
up and down Damon Avenue
each night i wait to get caught
but i never do
she asked if i remembered those letters i wrote
when our love was young and bold
she said last night she read those letters
and they made her feel one hundred years old
i'm riding a stolen bike
on a pitch black night
i keep telling myself it's gonna be alright
but i ride by night and i travel in fear
that in this darkness i will disappear
in a little house out on the edge of town
we got married, we swore we'd never part
then little by little we drifted from each other's heart
at first i thought it was just restlessness
that would fade as time went by and our love grew deep
but in the end there was more i guess
that tore us apart and made us weep
i'm riding a stolen bike
up and down Damon Avenue
each night i wait to get caught
but i never do
she asked if i remembered those letters i wrote
when our love was young and bold
she said last night she read those letters
and they made her feel one hundred years old
i'm riding a stolen bike
on a pitch black night
i keep telling myself it's gonna be alright
but i ride by night and i travel in fear
that in this darkness i will disappear
Lyrics submitted by glendora
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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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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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any help on where i can get this song? or "stolen bike" if thats the real title or not.
nvm, i found it somewhere. this song is sweet
Haha, it's a cover of Bruce Springstein's "Stolen Car"...but on a bike instead.
this makes me so nostalgic
Probably should be 'Damen.'
You can find this song in new owens EP "The seaside"