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.
When the fists of winter fly, driving bones into the snow
Blackened frostbitten nights, vodka running dry
The statues cloaked in white and migrants from museums
Losing all the feeling now that sunrise is outlawed
Strangers plant themselves down in the cold hard ground
Later when the harvest thaws snow drops will be in bloom
Crossed out on city maps, Prospekt Mira reveals
Shadows drinking antifreeze 'neath the underpass
Ordered once a Gulag's march, now cities send the call
Falling from the rooftops fast and frozen against the wall
Where strangers plant themselves, dead souls of the underground
When February thaws snow drops will be in bloom again
Bloom again, bloom again, bloom again, bloom again
Red blooms, red blooms
Blackened frostbitten nights, vodka running dry
The statues cloaked in white and migrants from museums
Losing all the feeling now that sunrise is outlawed
Strangers plant themselves down in the cold hard ground
Later when the harvest thaws snow drops will be in bloom
Crossed out on city maps, Prospekt Mira reveals
Shadows drinking antifreeze 'neath the underpass
Ordered once a Gulag's march, now cities send the call
Falling from the rooftops fast and frozen against the wall
Where strangers plant themselves, dead souls of the underground
When February thaws snow drops will be in bloom again
Bloom again, bloom again, bloom again, bloom again
Red blooms, red blooms
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
My immediate reaction on reading the lyrics is that this is about the failures of Russia after the fall of Communism. Cities used to order a “gulag’s march”, but now people are committing suicide by drinking anti-freeze. People die for various reasons during the harsh winters. Then when the land thaws, all the bodies are found like red blooms.
BTW, “Dead Souls” is a famous Russian novel partially concerned with the ailing social system in post-Napoleonic Russia, and the “Prospekt Mira” is a train station in Russia. That’s from wikipedia.
I live in Moscow. Prospect Mira is an underground metro station. Most likely we are talking about the symbolism of the name. The map is a graphical representation of the dictatorship and coercion of the state. On the other hand, the word Peace literally speaks of peace. This means that there is no peace on the maps, just like in state politics. So this phrase of the song reads a play on words