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.
Sky black and blue
Blue turned to red
It's quiet in the streets now
It's screaming in your head
I ain't a fool
I've got my doubts
Say it doesn't hurt
Doesn't matter anyhow
Anyhow
[Chorus]
Saying hey you're bleeding for nothing
It's hard to breathe when you're standing on your own
We'll kill ourself to find freedom
You'll kill yourself to find anything at all
So lock all the doors
And put your child to rest
It's quiet in the streets now
It's screaming in your head
We're passing the time
We're breaking apart
We're damned at the end
We're damned at the start
Blame it on the roses
Blame it on the red
Running out of time
Running out of breath
[Chorus]
You'll kill yourself to find anything
You say good-bye
Every day and night
With writing on the walls
Everybody's gonna need somebody
To take our troubles, and our worries, and our problems all away
[Chorus]
You'll kill yourself to find anything at all
[Chorus]
You'll kill yourself before
You'll kill yourself again
Hey now, hey now, hey now
Right now
Hey now, hey now, hey now
Right now
Hey now, hey now, hey now
Right now
Hey now, hey now
Blue turned to red
It's quiet in the streets now
It's screaming in your head
I ain't a fool
I've got my doubts
Say it doesn't hurt
Doesn't matter anyhow
Anyhow
[Chorus]
Saying hey you're bleeding for nothing
It's hard to breathe when you're standing on your own
We'll kill ourself to find freedom
You'll kill yourself to find anything at all
So lock all the doors
And put your child to rest
It's quiet in the streets now
It's screaming in your head
We're passing the time
We're breaking apart
We're damned at the end
We're damned at the start
Blame it on the roses
Blame it on the red
Running out of time
Running out of breath
[Chorus]
You'll kill yourself to find anything
You say good-bye
Every day and night
With writing on the walls
Everybody's gonna need somebody
To take our troubles, and our worries, and our problems all away
[Chorus]
You'll kill yourself to find anything at all
[Chorus]
You'll kill yourself before
You'll kill yourself again
Hey now, hey now, hey now
Right now
Hey now, hey now, hey now
Right now
Hey now, hey now, hey now
Right now
Hey now, hey now
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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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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
heart shaped gun was the best line :| totally depressed they re-did it. but this version is still good :]