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’m truly sorry if I am
Loosing my grip
If I’m fading away
Watching the stars as I set sail
I’m truly sorry if I was
A disappointment to you
But I cannot stay
Watching the stars
Longing to set sail
I know that I will miss you
But it’s time for me to leave
The arcadia is calling my name
I am drifting away
This is my goodbye
No need for me to stay
This is my way out
I’m truly sorry if I am
Loosing my grip
If I’m fading away
Watching the stars as I set sail
I know that I will miss you
But it’s time for me to leave
The arcadia is calling my name
Loosing my grip
If I’m fading away
Watching the stars as I set sail
I’m truly sorry if I was
A disappointment to you
But I cannot stay
Watching the stars
Longing to set sail
I know that I will miss you
But it’s time for me to leave
The arcadia is calling my name
I am drifting away
This is my goodbye
No need for me to stay
This is my way out
I’m truly sorry if I am
Loosing my grip
If I’m fading away
Watching the stars as I set sail
I know that I will miss you
But it’s time for me to leave
The arcadia is calling my name
Lyrics submitted by lowerlogic
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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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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.
What a great song!
The lyrics could be taken literally as (gasp!) relationship gone wrong, but since the title already spells it out, this is more likely about leaving earth literally. Perhaps talking of the human race being forced to abandon earth after having made it inhospitable for life. Incidentally, Arcadia Planitia is an area on Mars, so perhaps the song muses about Mars being terraformed in the future for the event when earth is no longer viable for life.
Just want to say thanks for posting these lyrics. Wonderful song. Sometimes I feel I am not from earth, for many reasons, but sometimes I look into the stars and dream of going home, to that Utopia I know I really come from. I couldn't possible come from a place like earth full of death, pain, corruption, evil sigh. Anyone who is living in an evolved state can agree feeling like this once before.