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.
A heart of gold
But it lost it's pride
Beautiful veins
And bloodshot eyes
I see your face
In another light
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
In too deep
And out of time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
A simple man
And his blushing bride
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Intravenous
Intertwined
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Hearts gone cold
Your hands were tied
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
In too deep
And out of time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Do you ever think of me
You're so considerate
Did you ever think of me
Oh, so considerate
In too deep
And lost in time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Beautiful veins
And bloodshot eyes
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Hearts gone cold
And hands are tied
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Do you ever think of me
You're so considerate
Did you ever think of me
Oh, so considerate
In too deep
And lost in time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Beautiful veins
And bloodshot eyes
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Hearts gone cold
And hands are tied
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
But it lost it's pride
Beautiful veins
And bloodshot eyes
I see your face
In another light
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
In too deep
And out of time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
A simple man
And his blushing bride
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Intravenous
Intertwined
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Hearts gone cold
Your hands were tied
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
(Why'd you have to go)
(And let it die)
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
In too deep
And out of time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Do you ever think of me
You're so considerate
Did you ever think of me
Oh, so considerate
In too deep
And lost in time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Beautiful veins
And bloodshot eyes
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Hearts gone cold
And hands are tied
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Do you ever think of me
You're so considerate
Did you ever think of me
Oh, so considerate
In too deep
And lost in time
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Beautiful veins
And bloodshot eyes
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Hearts gone cold
And hands are tied
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let this die
Why'd you have to go
And let it die
Lyrics submitted by risefromtheashes
Let It Die Lyrics as written by Taylor Hawkins David Eric Grohl
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Fintage House Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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 agree! The beginning is a perfect buildup, and it explodes into the excellent 2nd half. Dave's screaming at the end always gives me chills, great stuff