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.
Right now you can't see the end
Stoic in the midst of turmoil
Resigned to shrink away
Content to retreat
Content to hide in your safe place
Protest the loss
And mourn the casualties
Look at the wreckage
And understand what it means
When the walls collapse
Your will to fight has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
Face up to devastation
Ignore the urge to hide
Seek revelation
Inspired in all the anguish
Recount the cost
Knowledge through suffering
No easy lessons
Are learned when you cross the valley
When the walls collapse
Your will to fight has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
Draw out a hard line
(You've got to follow the hard line)
A marker that shows the way
And through this draw out a hard line
A future that can't be seen from where you are
When the walls, your will to fight
Has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
When the walls collapse
Your will to fight has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
Stoic in the midst of turmoil
Resigned to shrink away
Content to retreat
Content to hide in your safe place
Protest the loss
And mourn the casualties
Look at the wreckage
And understand what it means
When the walls collapse
Your will to fight has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
Face up to devastation
Ignore the urge to hide
Seek revelation
Inspired in all the anguish
Recount the cost
Knowledge through suffering
No easy lessons
Are learned when you cross the valley
When the walls collapse
Your will to fight has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
Draw out a hard line
(You've got to follow the hard line)
A marker that shows the way
And through this draw out a hard line
A future that can't be seen from where you are
When the walls, your will to fight
Has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
When the walls collapse
Your will to fight has been surpassed
You're on your knees again
Sift through the layers
The shattered remains of your broken dreams
The life you once longed for
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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.
When We Were Young
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
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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.
This Song I Think Is About Fighting For What You Want/Believe In