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.
Of part and parcel
So, well, we're already dead
Well, it's probably been said
That it's always been said
That
One wing isn't even enough
It isn't even enough
It isn't even enough
It isn't even enough
To leave
One wing isn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
I'm gonna shake myself right out the door
I'm gonna take myself when it's finally over
I'm gonna let my own bad self take over
I'm gonna move my arm out with my shoulder
And
One wing wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
One wing wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
One wing wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
First off, Gary was on trial, and drunk before we left bed
As things got better, was it hard to say that he had no idea?
Well, I hadn't noticed but the people really noticed that they really didn't want us around
So, we all just opened up our mouths and walked to this town
Well, I was walking just a little bit sideways, and you were walking sideways too
Well, I hadn't learned when a front door can be used
Here it goes now
We had darkened doors, so we didn't read what the sign read
Though simple enough, it was to me really tough; the ground needs to be fed
Well, I hadn't noticed, but the people really noticed that they didn't really want us around
So, not a single one of us will ever leave town
Here we go, sir
Our bodies were laid out
They were laid for fifteen yards
Well, two feet above each of our heads was a fly trapped in a jar
Well, I hadn't noticed, but the people really noticed that they really didn't want us around
So, every single one of us hit the ground
Here we go now
One wing wasn't even, uh
One wing wasn't even enough
Oh, pardon, pardon
So, well, it's already been said
That it's always been said that
We're already dead
So, well, we're already dead
Well, it's probably been said
That it's always been said
That
One wing isn't even enough
It isn't even enough
It isn't even enough
It isn't even enough
To leave
One wing isn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
I'm gonna shake myself right out the door
I'm gonna take myself when it's finally over
I'm gonna let my own bad self take over
I'm gonna move my arm out with my shoulder
And
One wing wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
One wing wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
One wing wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
It wasn't even enough
To leave
First off, Gary was on trial, and drunk before we left bed
As things got better, was it hard to say that he had no idea?
Well, I hadn't noticed but the people really noticed that they really didn't want us around
So, we all just opened up our mouths and walked to this town
Well, I was walking just a little bit sideways, and you were walking sideways too
Well, I hadn't learned when a front door can be used
Here it goes now
We had darkened doors, so we didn't read what the sign read
Though simple enough, it was to me really tough; the ground needs to be fed
Well, I hadn't noticed, but the people really noticed that they didn't really want us around
So, not a single one of us will ever leave town
Here we go, sir
Our bodies were laid out
They were laid for fifteen yards
Well, two feet above each of our heads was a fly trapped in a jar
Well, I hadn't noticed, but the people really noticed that they really didn't want us around
So, every single one of us hit the ground
Here we go now
One wing wasn't even, uh
One wing wasn't even enough
Oh, pardon, pardon
So, well, it's already been said
That it's always been said that
We're already dead
Lyrics submitted by modestmousenirvana, edited by sheionizes
Fly Trapped in a Jar Lyrics as written by Isaac Brock Eric Judy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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.
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this is definetly not about politics. isaac said himself that politics die too fast. modestmousenirvana was right.
and it's "gonna shake myself right out the door"