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.
Don't stand around
So far, it's empty
Just pull close these witnesses
That follow, so trusting
There they go
By the way
We last because we're colorful
And as for fools, just play the opposite
Cause quietly, you're overrated anyhow
And currently, you spread yourself so thin
Climb up your pedestal
To hang yourself from it
A cold day without the praise
I used when I never ever meant to change
By the way
We last because we're colorful
And as for fools, just play the opposite
Cause quietly, you're overrated anyhow
And currently, you spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
His straight jacket fashion
Can't believe he could
But I cry denial
To say that it should
This straight jacket fashion
I can't believe he could
Stab myself just the same
You know that you should
By the way
We last because we're colorful
And as for fools, just play the opposite
Quietly, you're overrated anyhow
Currently, you've spread yourself so thin
Quietly, you're overrated anyhow
And currently, you spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
So far, it's empty
Just pull close these witnesses
That follow, so trusting
There they go
By the way
We last because we're colorful
And as for fools, just play the opposite
Cause quietly, you're overrated anyhow
And currently, you spread yourself so thin
Climb up your pedestal
To hang yourself from it
A cold day without the praise
I used when I never ever meant to change
By the way
We last because we're colorful
And as for fools, just play the opposite
Cause quietly, you're overrated anyhow
And currently, you spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
His straight jacket fashion
Can't believe he could
But I cry denial
To say that it should
This straight jacket fashion
I can't believe he could
Stab myself just the same
You know that you should
By the way
We last because we're colorful
And as for fools, just play the opposite
Quietly, you're overrated anyhow
Currently, you've spread yourself so thin
Quietly, you're overrated anyhow
And currently, you spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
Spread yourself so thin
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
i dont know how to interpret this song, it can be taken in many ways but i see it as how people try to do anything to get attention. how people even act or go crazy trying to get attention the other "colorful" or normal people who are happy with what they got survive because they dont put their lives in danger craving for attention. yet everyone gives attention that shouldnt be there (overrated) to the people who are crazy