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.
Restless to Begin.
A wave comes crashing in.
The band on stage is tuning.
Jararandends are blooming.
Your face sketched in my dreams.
Puts my mind at ease.
Beneath the water frozen.
The Merrimack River is flowing.
Under Rolling.
Over.
[Chorus:]
Don't say you're not amazed when you know you are.
Don't say you're not afraid when you know you are.
Rows of boys and girls run out to seek the world.
Candy coated promise.
Just out of reach when you want it.
Give me something sweet.
Bring me to the brink.
I'll leave without hesitation.
To a world without limitation.
Rock me patient.
Slowly.
Don't say you're not amazed when you know you are.
Don't say you're not afraid when you know you are.
You know you are.
A world that moves too fast.
A mouth of broken glass.
It may not seem so painful.
By January, the rain will swallow.
Change will follow.
Don't say you're not amazed when you know you are.
Don't say you're not afraid when you know you are.
You know you are. I know you are.
A wave comes crashing in.
The band on stage is tuning.
Jararandends are blooming.
Your face sketched in my dreams.
Puts my mind at ease.
Beneath the water frozen.
The Merrimack River is flowing.
Under Rolling.
Over.
[Chorus:]
Don't say you're not amazed when you know you are.
Don't say you're not afraid when you know you are.
Rows of boys and girls run out to seek the world.
Candy coated promise.
Just out of reach when you want it.
Give me something sweet.
Bring me to the brink.
I'll leave without hesitation.
To a world without limitation.
Rock me patient.
Slowly.
Don't say you're not amazed when you know you are.
Don't say you're not afraid when you know you are.
You know you are.
A world that moves too fast.
A mouth of broken glass.
It may not seem so painful.
By January, the rain will swallow.
Change will follow.
Don't say you're not amazed when you know you are.
Don't say you're not afraid when you know you are.
You know you are. I know you are.
Lyrics submitted by dontwasteyoursong
Merrimack River Lyrics as written by Michael Viola Mandy Moore
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Good job Mandy Moore .. best song on the new album that really demonstrates what could be a good direction for her to move in for her own mature sound, in my opinion. I think this song is about renewal and beginnings. "Restless to begin..", "Jacarandas blooming.." (known to bloom twice a year, fall and spring), "Give me something sweet, bring me to the brink, and I'll leave without hesitation to a world without limitation", "A world that moves too fast,...by January rain will swallow, change will follow."
And also the surprise and fear that change--new beginnings--can bring. "Don't say you're not amazed..don't say you're not afraid..".
Just my interpretation of the rather-random lyrics without having much background info to go on. Wikipedia, though not sure where the info comes from, states that this song is "inspired by the actual Merrimack River, since the singer is a local to New Hampshire and was born in Nashua, NH."