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.
This head is haunted by a chorus in the sky
The voices aren't mine
I kiss the darkness as I see the whites of their eyes
They're crawling up my spine
They bloom at midnight in the middle of the moonlight
Strike a match!
Light the chandelier!
This bedroom is a ballroom now
Strike the band and make the dead dance
This room is filled with corpses in costumes
My guests dress in black and blue
I raise a toast to the few
The orchids are in bloom
There's a dead note in the choir of the garden
The sun will kiss the gloom
The warden's giving pardons soon
Strike a match!
Light the chandelier!
This bedroom is a ballroom now
Strike the band and make the dead dance
This room is filled with corpses in costumes
Strike the band and make the dead dance
(I kiss the darkness as I see the whites of their eyes)
Strike the band and dance, dance.
"This is your last night.
Do you believe in what you write?
We open the sky and we hope you see light."
Strike a match!
Light the chandelier!
This bedroom is a ballroom now
Strike the band and make the dead dance
This room is filled with corpses in costumes
Strike the band and make the dead dance
(I kiss the darkness as I see the whites of their eyes)
Strike the band and dance, dance
(This room is filled with corpses in costumes)
The voices aren't mine
I kiss the darkness as I see the whites of their eyes
They're crawling up my spine
They bloom at midnight in the middle of the moonlight
Strike a match!
Light the chandelier!
This bedroom is a ballroom now
Strike the band and make the dead dance
This room is filled with corpses in costumes
My guests dress in black and blue
I raise a toast to the few
The orchids are in bloom
There's a dead note in the choir of the garden
The sun will kiss the gloom
The warden's giving pardons soon
Strike a match!
Light the chandelier!
This bedroom is a ballroom now
Strike the band and make the dead dance
This room is filled with corpses in costumes
Strike the band and make the dead dance
(I kiss the darkness as I see the whites of their eyes)
Strike the band and dance, dance.
"This is your last night.
Do you believe in what you write?
We open the sky and we hope you see light."
Strike a match!
Light the chandelier!
This bedroom is a ballroom now
Strike the band and make the dead dance
This room is filled with corpses in costumes
Strike the band and make the dead dance
(I kiss the darkness as I see the whites of their eyes)
Strike the band and dance, dance
(This room is filled with corpses in costumes)
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
i think this is the best song on the new cd. ireally like the guitar in the begining and at the end. reading these lyrics make this song that much better. senses fail hasn't really been too creative with their lyrics and i think these are awesome. not too sure of the meaning..but with the halloween around the corner i just picture a ballroom of dancing dead people when i hear this song. i'd like to see them make a video for this song.
This is when he just got done realizing that there is more to life than emptiness (Yellow Angels is his realization)
There is my meaning.
I believe he's in the operation room.
I like this...it's very dark. It kind of gives you the chills.
hmm, this song doesnt seem like it has anything to do with the bands overall cd story...
It almost sounds like he is at Mercels funeral.