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 I was born I lost
When I was freed I fought
Now that I'm loved I'm caught
Between the rest and this tragic mess
An invited guest
Torn, broken and frayed
Oh don't we face
War, sunshine and grace
Oh won't you stay
For a while
We can fail in style
I can hold your smile
For a while
What was once new now gone
What was once praised now wrong
As they go, we can say we know
But what do we know
But warm sunshine and graves
Don't we see
What's bitter to taste
Torn, broken and frayed
Don't we face
War, sunshine and graves
Won't you stay
'Cause I won't tell
I won't tell a soul
That I'm mad as hell
Torn, broken and frayed
I'm torn, broken and frayed
No, I'm cold, worn out and shamed
When I was freed I fought
Now that I'm loved I'm caught
Between the rest and this tragic mess
An invited guest
Torn, broken and frayed
Oh don't we face
War, sunshine and grace
Oh won't you stay
For a while
We can fail in style
I can hold your smile
For a while
What was once new now gone
What was once praised now wrong
As they go, we can say we know
But what do we know
But warm sunshine and graves
Don't we see
What's bitter to taste
Torn, broken and frayed
Don't we face
War, sunshine and graves
Won't you stay
'Cause I won't tell
I won't tell a soul
That I'm mad as hell
Torn, broken and frayed
I'm torn, broken and frayed
No, I'm cold, worn out and shamed
Lyrics submitted by Love.Is.Suicide
Pomp and Circumstances Lyrics as written by William Patrick Corgan
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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.
This is the most beautiful song by the Smashing Pumpkins..It means so much to me..
I think it's about him reminiscing of his past, and being with a girl but failing..
It's an awesome ending to the Zeitgeist album, I've had it for about a month now :)
This is one of the best songs I have ever heard
this song is like "anti-pumpkins" in the since that its not their style.. a bit too slow for my liking...
How amazing is the creeping guitar that escalates toward the end of the song? A Zeitgeist highlight for sure.
Best song on the album! Such a beautiful reflection on life and love. And ZenbfullTangerine, this is the Pumpkins style ....Go back and listen to Adore!
dont get me wrong.. i don't HATE this song.. (its a new sort of style they've done.. they have been the type to experiment with music) but i miss the siamese dream era :'(
The lyrics- they remind me of the American flag in todays day and age- 'torn, broken and frayed' -Also, flags seen often in 'war, sunshine and (soldiers) graves' and because 'whats bitter to taste'- blood....from the war. Beautiful song. Its one of those songs thats not meant to be loved by everyone, but those that do like it appreciate it for its beauty and excellence.
"i wont tell a soul that i'm mad as hell"
simple yet powerful lyrics... love this song
what a gay song. new pumpkins suck ass. go listen to mayonaise. now thats what i'm talking about!
I miss the Pumpkins too. This new incarnation just isn't the same - I mean, way back when, at the end of the Pisces Iscariot liner notes Billy stuck "2007". Sometimes I wonder if this whole rebirth of the Pumpkins was planned out from years back, what with all the 7s involved, and the fact that the breakup was kind of planned (though inevitable)... And besides - Billy and Jimmy + some other people was known as Zwan. Billy and Jimmy and James and Darcy = the Pumpkins. It is the epitome of arrogance for Billy to just assume that the Pumpkins will be anywhere near as powerful with half of its members gone and half-heartedly replaced by random people. So here's a toast to (hopefully) a real reunion, someday, with an album that actually has some soul to it. The band can't function without some tension in opposition to Billy's ego to balance the whole thing out (sorry Billy, I still love you against my better judgement, but you know it's true).