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.
There was time, it took time (impossible)
There is time, so much time
There is time, so much time
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
Done asking for your permission, please understand
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing, then let me go
If we're all faltering, why'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing then let me go
There was time, it took time (impossible)
There is time, so much time
There is time, so much time
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
Done asking for your permission, please understand
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing then let me go
If it's all or nothing then let me go
There is time, so much time
There is time, so much time
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
Done asking for your permission, please understand
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing, then let me go
If we're all faltering, why'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing then let me go
There was time, it took time (impossible)
There is time, so much time
There is time, so much time
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
Done asking for your permission, please understand
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing then let me go
If it's all or nothing then let me go
Lyrics submitted by kstemz, edited by Mellow_Harsher, aneroid
Fine for Now Lyrics as written by Edward Droste Christopher Bear
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
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This seems to be about spending time with loved ones, knowing that something is eventually going to come between, be it death, moving, a new lover, etc. Instead of complaining about the lack of time that they have, say "There is time. There's so much time." Its about milking every second to the last sweet drop with the ones who are important, and realizing how fragile every minute is.
I don't hear "If we're all faltering", I hear "We're all faltering". As if he's trying to say that people hesitate too much with their loved ones. We're all faltering. We all wait until its too late.
In the context of Daniel Rossen's 'In Ear Park' sentiments, it seems that he is wishing he had spent more time with his father. The first line says "There was time" in regards to his father, and the next "There is time" could be about his current loved ones. Maybe he wants to spend more time with others now that he sees how important every second is.
This could be completely wrong, but whenever I hear Dan sing "We're all faltering", I see him wishing he had not faltered, wishing he had been stronger, wishing he could be stronger, hoping he can be there.
Maybe.
I agree with you. <br /> The line "we're all faltering, why'd I help with that?" indicates that the entire family is falling apart and he/she is contributing to the problem.<br /> Also the song is called "Fine For Now" which kind of means the the family may be fine for now but soon they will fall.