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 birds are sleeping
That's when the trees sing
You left your winter clothes
And your teeth marks in my skin
So shake the leaves off the trees
Watch them float down the stream
Your son, your daughter
Swimming in the water
I miss you
Even when you're around
A black cloud
Sending lightning to the ground
Darling, please show your teeth
Just one more dance to help me sleep
All good, cold water eyes
Fill the past with friendly nights
Human skin can be hard to live in
You'll feel better in the morning
Swim, wash your hands in the lake
Swim, you got a heart in the way
Trails lost in the snow
Make way for winter's eerie glow
And that black rock in your bedroom
I hope you'll climb it soon
In your boat tied to a tree
I hope you'll find the sea
Throw me a dream please
It's been a dreamless sleep
For such a long time
Such a long time
Sing myself awake
Watch the branches break
No one could
Ever take your place
Swim, wash your face in the lake
Sing, you've got a diamond under your skin
That's when the trees sing
You left your winter clothes
And your teeth marks in my skin
So shake the leaves off the trees
Watch them float down the stream
Your son, your daughter
Swimming in the water
I miss you
Even when you're around
A black cloud
Sending lightning to the ground
Darling, please show your teeth
Just one more dance to help me sleep
All good, cold water eyes
Fill the past with friendly nights
Human skin can be hard to live in
You'll feel better in the morning
Swim, wash your hands in the lake
Swim, you got a heart in the way
Trails lost in the snow
Make way for winter's eerie glow
And that black rock in your bedroom
I hope you'll climb it soon
In your boat tied to a tree
I hope you'll find the sea
Throw me a dream please
It's been a dreamless sleep
For such a long time
Such a long time
Sing myself awake
Watch the branches break
No one could
Ever take your place
Swim, wash your face in the lake
Sing, you've got a diamond under your skin
Lyrics submitted by littlebabykatie
I Sing I Swim Lyrics as written by Sindri Mar Sigfusson
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I like alot of the interpretation in these comments, but what came to my mind is that this is about mourning the loss of synergy of a relationship, being supportive / understanding and trying to get the person out of deep depression.
let me explain... when you're in a good relationship you play off your partner and you mood and enjoyment of life is enhanced by the interactions you have. I know from experience that some people have depressive periods and the other half of the partnership also looses alot by not having the personality they love around, even if the person is there.
Specifically, I thought of a long married couple who's kids have left home. The depressed person is say the home maker / child carer who's life was defined and purposful before the children left but now everything has changed. It hard to redefine yourself after all that and the world seems scary.
What I love about the song is that the other half, is clearly (to me any how) being supportive, understanding and patient and trying to get them to take the steps to get them back to their old selves.
I love the metaphors... I'm sure I don't have to explain :)