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.
The emotion it was, electric
And the stars, they all aligned
I knew I had to make my, decision
But I never made the time
No, I never made the time
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
Exoneration lost his, eraser
But my forgiver found the sun
And there are twisted days that I take comfort
Cause I'm not the only one
No, I'm not the only one
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
There is a majesty at my doorstep
There is a little boy in her arms
Now we'll parade around without game plans
Obligations, or alarm
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
In the dark
And the stars, they all aligned
I knew I had to make my, decision
But I never made the time
No, I never made the time
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
Exoneration lost his, eraser
But my forgiver found the sun
And there are twisted days that I take comfort
Cause I'm not the only one
No, I'm not the only one
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
There is a majesty at my doorstep
There is a little boy in her arms
Now we'll parade around without game plans
Obligations, or alarm
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
In the dark, for a while now
I can't stay, so far
I can't stay, much longer
Riding my decision home
In the dark
Lyrics submitted by jeremygrim
I Can't Stay Lyrics as written by Dave Brent Keuning Brandon Flowers
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Aw man, now I'm torn. This song is brilliant and my favorite of the entire albumn! The "being on the road" thing sounds probable but this is my origional interpretation anyway and I think it's more probable given the double meaning of the lyrics:
I think it's a song about cheating!
The emotion being electric and the stars aligning refer to his lover as being a good match for him (their 'signs' or whatever)... Having to make a decision is obvious and riding it home (aka following through with it)....
"Exoneration: to clear of accusation or relieve of obligation"... so either there's no way he can be free from the blame since the deed is done OR he sees no way to truly be freed from his obligation for his family... or both
Then there's the awesome play-on-words with "No, I'm not the only one... in the dark for awhile now".... as in his spouse (the magesty with the boy) has "been in the dark" about his affair for awhile now
The the bridge is her waiting with the son on the doorstep perhaps? "My forgiver found the sun" from before perhaps implies that she became enlightened of the adultry situation. But now that the issue is addressed they can run around free of the guilt of his cheating.... or at least he's hoping? Maybe he's picturing this as he's driving home.....
Aaaand, the last is maybe just trying to "hit home" that he's driving back... in the dark. Haha.
ps. I love this song! Makes me want to be in a warm warm place :)
Actually sc, I don't think there's a double meaning to the lyrics. Flowers generally writes songs with one thing in mind, and I don't think he changed it up for just for this song. That's a great analysis, but I just don't agree.