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.
When the last eagle flies, over the last crumbling mountain
And the last lion roars, at the last dusty fountain
In the shadow of the forest, though she may be old and worn
They will stare unbelieving
At the Last Unicorn
When the first breath of winter, through the flowers is icing
And you look to the north, and a pale moon is rising
And it seems like all is dying, and would leave the world to mourn
In the distance hear her laughter
It's the Last Unicorn
I'm alive I'm alive
When the last moon is cast, over the last star of morning
And the future is past, without even a last desperate warning
Then look into the sky where through, the clouds a path is formed
Look and see her how she shimmers, it's the Last Unicorn
I'm alive I'm alive!
And the last lion roars, at the last dusty fountain
In the shadow of the forest, though she may be old and worn
They will stare unbelieving
At the Last Unicorn
When the first breath of winter, through the flowers is icing
And you look to the north, and a pale moon is rising
And it seems like all is dying, and would leave the world to mourn
In the distance hear her laughter
It's the Last Unicorn
I'm alive I'm alive
When the last moon is cast, over the last star of morning
And the future is past, without even a last desperate warning
Then look into the sky where through, the clouds a path is formed
Look and see her how she shimmers, it's the Last Unicorn
I'm alive I'm alive!
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I always loved this song even when I was a child. Most people see them as a myth and full of magic. It takes a bit of faith to believe in magic and unicorns. The song is speaking about how even though everything appears like it's falling apart, there is still magic, still faith, alive somewhere if you look for it.