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.
Beat my bones against the wall
Staring down an empty hall
Deep down in a hollow log
Coming home like a letter bomb
Cold was the storm
That covered the night
Call a doctor, call a ghost
Put a fire into your bones
Sic a dog on all you know
Cut it loose before you go
Cold was the storm
That covered the night
What makes the soul, the soul of a man?
Beat my bones against the wall
Put a bank note on your bond
Gris Gris and a goldenrod
Down deep in a hollow log
Cold was the storm
That buried the night
What makes the soul, the soul of a man?
Staring down an empty hall
Deep down in a hollow log
Coming home like a letter bomb
Cold was the storm
That covered the night
Call a doctor, call a ghost
Put a fire into your bones
Sic a dog on all you know
Cut it loose before you go
Cold was the storm
That covered the night
What makes the soul, the soul of a man?
Beat my bones against the wall
Put a bank note on your bond
Gris Gris and a goldenrod
Down deep in a hollow log
Cold was the storm
That buried the night
What makes the soul, the soul of a man?
Lyrics submitted by Hinducow28
Soul of a Man Lyrics as written by Beck Hansen
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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No comments? Come on now, I love this song. It's just so catchy and fun to sing along to.
Unfortunately I have no idea what it means. Anybody?
This hallway is nothing more than a hollow log.
Gris Gris are Voodoo charms for warding off evil.
You know how there are stages with coping with death? Well this song would be Anger/Wrath.
There is a malicious bite to the lyrics: "Coming home like a letter bomb" "Sic a dog on all you know Cut it loose before you go"
I think Beck is trying to discover if there is a difference between a man and an animal. What makes a soul a soul of a man? Is it technology (hollow log), is it wealth (bank note) ? Can either of those purchase salvation? Is there an empty void awaiting us all?
This song also carries the album theme of temperature significance. Beck wants a hot death compared to a cold existence.
I'd say pretty much the same evaluation (SadXuHuang) aside from the spirituality, it seems like he/she wants the answer to said question but no one knows the answer so he/she continues pondering the question to see if he can find his/her own enlightenment whether it be self made or someone's interpretation.
Finding your OWN answer is the key my friends.