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 edge, I'm walking a fine line
To young to be waiting at stop signs
I'm on fire and I can't cool down
And I'm ready to roll right out of this town
'Cause there's something in me you can't learn in school
They teach it on the street, it's the only rule
It's the edge
The edge, I'm dying in the classroom
Tell me why should I dance to your tune
Keep your plans for my security
Because there's only one thing taking care of me
And it's harder than steel, it cuts like a knife
It's the way I run, it's a way of life
The edge
You can't hold me down forever
What doesn't kill me makes me strong
If you can't take it, you can't make it
Out here on the edge for very long
And it's harder than steel, it cuts like a knife
It's the way I run, it's a way of life
The edge
To young to be waiting at stop signs
I'm on fire and I can't cool down
And I'm ready to roll right out of this town
'Cause there's something in me you can't learn in school
They teach it on the street, it's the only rule
It's the edge
The edge, I'm dying in the classroom
Tell me why should I dance to your tune
Keep your plans for my security
Because there's only one thing taking care of me
And it's harder than steel, it cuts like a knife
It's the way I run, it's a way of life
The edge
You can't hold me down forever
What doesn't kill me makes me strong
If you can't take it, you can't make it
Out here on the edge for very long
And it's harder than steel, it cuts like a knife
It's the way I run, it's a way of life
The edge
Lyrics submitted by JucaOPastor
The Edge Lyrics as written by Ralph James Murphy Jeffrey Bruce Waters
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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