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.
Sometimes I feel like I'm chasing the shadows in your eyes.
Loosing my footing and looking for something I recognize.
You tell me you're here for forever
But act like you're passing through
Which one's the real you? Which one's the real you?
[Chorus]
Are you only practicing until you find the real thing?
Taking up space until you find yourself that perfect face
Are you looking over my shoulder am I enough or just your sacrificial love?
I know when we started I kind of talked you into it.
I was good for the moment but now something's missing from your kiss.
I see you lying beside me, but I feel you're moving on.
Which one's the real you? Which one's the real you?
[Chorus]
Do I have to spill my tears?
Teach you how to say goodbye?
If that's not what I am to you, then what am I?
What am I?
[Chorus]
Or just your sacrificial love?
Loosing my footing and looking for something I recognize.
You tell me you're here for forever
But act like you're passing through
Which one's the real you? Which one's the real you?
[Chorus]
Are you only practicing until you find the real thing?
Taking up space until you find yourself that perfect face
Are you looking over my shoulder am I enough or just your sacrificial love?
I know when we started I kind of talked you into it.
I was good for the moment but now something's missing from your kiss.
I see you lying beside me, but I feel you're moving on.
Which one's the real you? Which one's the real you?
[Chorus]
Do I have to spill my tears?
Teach you how to say goodbye?
If that's not what I am to you, then what am I?
What am I?
[Chorus]
Or just your sacrificial love?
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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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