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.
Well I, own this field
And I wrote this sky
And I have no reason, to reason with you
I'd be sad that I never held your hand as you were lowered
But I'd understand that I'd never let it go
I'd be sad that I never held your hand as you were lowered
But I'd understand that the world does what it does
And you never did learn to let the little things go
And you never did learn to let me be
And you never did learn to let little people grow
And you never did learn how to see
But I whisper that I love this man
Now and for forever to your soul as it floats out of the window
To the world that you turned your back on
To the world that never really let you be
And I am Laura now, and Laura still
And you did always say that one day I would suffer
You did always say that people get their pay
You did always say that I was going places
And that you wouldn't have it any other way
But I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, wouldn't let me
But I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, I needed
And I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, wouldn't let me
And I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, I needed
And I shouldn't turn my back on the sweet smelling blackberry stone
And I wrote this sky
And I have no reason, to reason with you
I'd be sad that I never held your hand as you were lowered
But I'd understand that I'd never let it go
I'd be sad that I never held your hand as you were lowered
But I'd understand that the world does what it does
And you never did learn to let the little things go
And you never did learn to let me be
And you never did learn to let little people grow
And you never did learn how to see
But I whisper that I love this man
Now and for forever to your soul as it floats out of the window
To the world that you turned your back on
To the world that never really let you be
And I am Laura now, and Laura still
And you did always say that one day I would suffer
You did always say that people get their pay
You did always say that I was going places
And that you wouldn't have it any other way
But I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, wouldn't let me
But I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, I needed
And I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, wouldn't let me
And I couldn't turn my back on a world for what I like, I needed
And I shouldn't turn my back on the sweet smelling blackberry stone
Lyrics submitted by babettej, edited by uselessaffluence, ladymumford
Blackberry Stone Lyrics as written by Laura Beatrice Marling
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
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.
I don't think it's just about "Hold My Hand As I'm Lowered" alone, it's probably more in reference to Noah and the Whale's last album being exclusively written about her.
I like this song a lot more because of the blatant reference to NATW. It is a cracking tune though it must be said.