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.
the music business got really scared
when punks created their own alternative system
one that was honest and really cared
so they set out to destroy what punk had created
by dividing those involved
choosing cult names and hatred
the gutter press said punks should spit and fight
and the puppet punks were fooled alright
they began to sniff aerosol and tubes of glue
because the paper said that's what real punks do
like spitting on bands covering them in shit
even though they knew if they were playing, they wouldn't like it
the promoters wanted to put a stop
to the cheap gigs bands arranged on their own
so they introduced more lies and once the seeds were sown
the puppet punks began to smash up halls
believing they were having a real ball
but the destruction meant nothing at all
they were just dancing to the tunes
the big businessmen called
very soon bands couldn't afford to do their own gigs
and the promoters had won
they got their own way
protecting their halls with bouncers
they decided which bands could play
and best of all they controlled the price that we all have to pay
punk belongs to the punks
not the businessmen
they need us, we don't need them
punk will never be dead
as long as some of us refuse to be led
the rip-off merchants were quick to cash in
and the puppet punks parted with their hard earned cash
to buy the exploited's rip-off trash
unable to see that these people only sell shit
as long as the people are willing to buy it
when punks created their own alternative system
one that was honest and really cared
so they set out to destroy what punk had created
by dividing those involved
choosing cult names and hatred
the gutter press said punks should spit and fight
and the puppet punks were fooled alright
they began to sniff aerosol and tubes of glue
because the paper said that's what real punks do
like spitting on bands covering them in shit
even though they knew if they were playing, they wouldn't like it
the promoters wanted to put a stop
to the cheap gigs bands arranged on their own
so they introduced more lies and once the seeds were sown
the puppet punks began to smash up halls
believing they were having a real ball
but the destruction meant nothing at all
they were just dancing to the tunes
the big businessmen called
very soon bands couldn't afford to do their own gigs
and the promoters had won
they got their own way
protecting their halls with bouncers
they decided which bands could play
and best of all they controlled the price that we all have to pay
punk belongs to the punks
not the businessmen
they need us, we don't need them
punk will never be dead
as long as some of us refuse to be led
the rip-off merchants were quick to cash in
and the puppet punks parted with their hard earned cash
to buy the exploited's rip-off trash
unable to see that these people only sell shit
as long as the people are willing to buy it
Lyrics submitted by horrorpunker
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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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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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@[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.
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.