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.
As your soul drifts on the plate
To the floor where she is standing
Rising by the fire
From the torch you were burning
Many years but many tears
And many more will soon be arriving
But I drink this final drop
To enter your front door
[Chorus]
Gone are the days
When I poured from the rain
Where once once marched a man
Going down life's drain
Oh in time in time you will see
Just what you mean to me
For I have met an angel clip my wings
Come back young volunteer
For your war now it is over
Lay down your blackened gun
Not another bad word spoken
Come tell of all you've seen
To the soul you're no longer killing
And rest your weary voice
The last battle song has cried
[Chorus]
Oh an angel clipped my wings
From the back of a broken dream
So they'll probably never break my fall again
For I return to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
Time wont hurry back
Time wont stall
Time to forget the past
Brush the cobwebs from the wall
Oh for I survived to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
For an angel clipped my wings
From the back of a broken dream
So they'll probably never break my fall again
For I return to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
For I return to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
To the floor where she is standing
Rising by the fire
From the torch you were burning
Many years but many tears
And many more will soon be arriving
But I drink this final drop
To enter your front door
[Chorus]
Gone are the days
When I poured from the rain
Where once once marched a man
Going down life's drain
Oh in time in time you will see
Just what you mean to me
For I have met an angel clip my wings
Come back young volunteer
For your war now it is over
Lay down your blackened gun
Not another bad word spoken
Come tell of all you've seen
To the soul you're no longer killing
And rest your weary voice
The last battle song has cried
[Chorus]
Oh an angel clipped my wings
From the back of a broken dream
So they'll probably never break my fall again
For I return to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
Time wont hurry back
Time wont stall
Time to forget the past
Brush the cobwebs from the wall
Oh for I survived to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
For an angel clipped my wings
From the back of a broken dream
So they'll probably never break my fall again
For I return to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
For I return to sing this tune
From the back of a broken dream
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really? no comments? this is one of my favorites from them.
I think its about how many guys give up their dreams because of some reason, whether it be a war which changes them forever, or a woman who, even though she is the love of his life, is anchoring him down from his dreams.
"An angel clipped my wings from the back of a broken dream"
The tangibility of his dreams disappeared when he was burdened with responsibilities, perhaps the angel is representing his woman.