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've got stars in my great big sky
I shall gaze upon without leaving small ones behind
Because they're harder to find
Some were satellites, others planes
Some were twinkling while others were fading away
But they're all one of a kind
Oh it's not that interesting
But I'd like to keep it a secret
So I'll have something left to give
It's not that difficult when you've got a luck of this kind
We've got to take advantage
We've got such limited time
Oh I wonder, oh I wonder
How long'd it to take me to die
Oh it's not that interesting
But I'd like to keep it a secret
So I'll have something left to give
And I'll hear my children and grandchildren sing
Oh It's not that interesting
But I'd like to keep it a secret
So I'll have something left to give
In my remaining years
When I am old and plain lazy
I'll have a little something left to give
To all those who loved me so much
I'd like to return the favor
And have something left to give
And I'll hear my children and grandchildren sing
It's not that difficult when you've got a luck of this kind
To all those who loved me so much, I'd like to return the favor
I wonder oh I wonder, how long to take me to die
It's not that interesting but I'd like to keep it a secret
And have something left to give
I shall gaze upon without leaving small ones behind
Because they're harder to find
Some were satellites, others planes
Some were twinkling while others were fading away
But they're all one of a kind
Oh it's not that interesting
But I'd like to keep it a secret
So I'll have something left to give
It's not that difficult when you've got a luck of this kind
We've got to take advantage
We've got such limited time
Oh I wonder, oh I wonder
How long'd it to take me to die
Oh it's not that interesting
But I'd like to keep it a secret
So I'll have something left to give
And I'll hear my children and grandchildren sing
Oh It's not that interesting
But I'd like to keep it a secret
So I'll have something left to give
In my remaining years
When I am old and plain lazy
I'll have a little something left to give
To all those who loved me so much
I'd like to return the favor
And have something left to give
And I'll hear my children and grandchildren sing
It's not that difficult when you've got a luck of this kind
To all those who loved me so much, I'd like to return the favor
I wonder oh I wonder, how long to take me to die
It's not that interesting but I'd like to keep it a secret
And have something left to give
Lyrics submitted by thoseguiltyeyes, edited by Skoobasteve24
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Oh, I wonder Oh, I wonder how long it'll take me to die It's not that interesting But I'd like to keep it a secret
what does tht part mean? tht he plans to kill himself... or tht he somehow knows when he'll die?
In reply to Matthew, in the context of the song, I think he's referring to the death of his presence (possibly like a star) not an actual death. <br /> <br /> He could be saying that he'd like to take his career at his own pace and not 'Die Out' like so many bands who have uber-media coverage do nowadays.<br />