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 sun is coming up over the hill
Or maybe it's not, I can't even tell
But there's a warmth on my face that isn't the blood
And my tears are turning the snow into mud
And I can't feel my left leg but I think it's still there
Did I kill anybody? Hell, I never fight fair
What state am I in, am I still on the run?
Has it really been so long since I've seen the sun?
My instincts are telling me to pick up and go
But I can't feel my fingers, and I can't move my toes
There's a drained bourbon bottle laying next to my head
And the piss and vomit are the sheets on my bed
Is it you?
Could it be you?
Don't want it to
I went out all night drinking, so I took the bait
And I jumped off the interstate to Highway 8
To the bars full of girls who all know me by name
They all drink the same drinks and they all fuck the same
So now my eyes are turning red in this hotel bar
And she's breathing out smoke as she motions towards the door
The kindness of a stranger or a trick of the trade?
God knows I'm not the first mistake that she's made
Is it you?
Could it be you?
Don't want it to
Is it you?
Could it be you?
Don't want it to
I been down and out, I been spit on for so long
I stored my shame in my belly until I needed to be strong
In my last guilty moment, stole a map and a truck
It's pure chance that I haven't already been picked up
But from here on the slate's clean, I'm heading way south
Always heard the girls were pretty there, I got to find out
Look Ma, your son's a travelin' man
I don't know what I did, now I'll do all the good that I can
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Or maybe it's not, I can't even tell
But there's a warmth on my face that isn't the blood
And my tears are turning the snow into mud
And I can't feel my left leg but I think it's still there
Did I kill anybody? Hell, I never fight fair
What state am I in, am I still on the run?
Has it really been so long since I've seen the sun?
My instincts are telling me to pick up and go
But I can't feel my fingers, and I can't move my toes
There's a drained bourbon bottle laying next to my head
And the piss and vomit are the sheets on my bed
Is it you?
Could it be you?
Don't want it to
I went out all night drinking, so I took the bait
And I jumped off the interstate to Highway 8
To the bars full of girls who all know me by name
They all drink the same drinks and they all fuck the same
So now my eyes are turning red in this hotel bar
And she's breathing out smoke as she motions towards the door
The kindness of a stranger or a trick of the trade?
God knows I'm not the first mistake that she's made
Is it you?
Could it be you?
Don't want it to
Is it you?
Could it be you?
Don't want it to
I been down and out, I been spit on for so long
I stored my shame in my belly until I needed to be strong
In my last guilty moment, stole a map and a truck
It's pure chance that I haven't already been picked up
But from here on the slate's clean, I'm heading way south
Always heard the girls were pretty there, I got to find out
Look Ma, your son's a travelin' man
I don't know what I did, now I'll do all the good that I can
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Could it be you?
Lyrics submitted by AtlDynasty25, edited by Mellow_Harsher, Magnifico
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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 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.
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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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.
Me and my friend love MBD and we we're having debates about the album ever since it came out. After I listened to it a couple times, I thought that it had to be a prequel.
The character in this album seems best suited to be the person with enough fortitude to shot the devil in the back. In the end of this song, he says "I'm headin' way south, Always heard the girls were pretty there, I got to find out." South, given the Western setting, has got to be Mexico. And the song ends with the beginning music of "The Devil in Mexico".
I'm with AlexKuykendall, I want to find the interview to hear what Adam says. The guy is a genuis.