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.
I want to run 1000 miles home. Break down all walls that block me from your bed. Capture your eyes, as I explore your thighs and try to explain what's going on inside my head.
Girl I've run all across this land. I've seen waves crash on beaches and steal my breath. I've seen snow on the hilltops, perfect and smooth as my hand navigating your chest.
Oh I've seen California. All the mountains and deserts and streams. As the monuments crumble and erode away, I know you're back home waiting for me.
And now I depend on my sense of adventure, to get through all the rough times, 'til we get back together.
I want to run back to Oregon. Fall every tree that blocks me from my street. Up in the hills, watch the city lights, I won't be home 'til I have Portland under my feet.
Oh I've seen California. All the basements and stages and scenes. I could laugh as it all falls into the sea, and know you're back home waiting for me.
When I get home, I'm up for anything.
Girl I've run all across this land. I've seen waves crash on beaches and steal my breath. I've seen snow on the hilltops, perfect and smooth as my hand navigating your chest.
Oh I've seen California. All the mountains and deserts and streams. As the monuments crumble and erode away, I know you're back home waiting for me.
And now I depend on my sense of adventure, to get through all the rough times, 'til we get back together.
I want to run back to Oregon. Fall every tree that blocks me from my street. Up in the hills, watch the city lights, I won't be home 'til I have Portland under my feet.
Oh I've seen California. All the basements and stages and scenes. I could laugh as it all falls into the sea, and know you're back home waiting for me.
When I get home, I'm up for anything.
Lyrics submitted by ExitEnglish90
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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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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,
broadway calls is an amazing band, hands down. my boy said this song reminds him of us. i couldn't agree more, and it couldn't explain everything more perfectly. i think the meaning of this song is quite apparent-- he's sick of being apart from his girl and does everything he can to "get through all the rough times til [they] get back together." this song is so sweet. it shows the emotional and physical side which every great relationship has. "capture your eyes, while i explore your thighs and try to explain what's going on inside my head." amazing.