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.
Can we all please just calm the fuck down?
In an analogy that makes sense to most
This opportunity it found me unmarked at the far post
But I blazed it right against the crossbar
Of the pub that you had worked in since you moved here from bath spa
We agreed we couldn't trust the guy that didn't like a single sport
But those bow-legged suitors hadn't given me much of a thought
They said it smelled delicious but it smelt of burning flesh
Not meant to be malicious but this is the cross we bear
The story of the winter I forgot how to speak my mind was like a nation's flag
But my breeze was too weak.
How they dragged me to the hospital sayin' I had gone deaf,
But I heard everything they said.
It's just I had no interest.
Our friends have put the two of us on suicide watch
And every second spent away we spend watching the clock
There are photos of us holding hands outside of the frame
I was there, but wonder where our fingers were all the same
It's like a self-restraint
(it's the size of a fingernail)
And then we chew it down
(yeah we chew it down all the same)
Sad eyes for sad goodbyes
It's a crime
It's a crime
It's a crime
It's a crime
The story of the winter I forgot how to speak my mind was like a nation's flag
But my breeze was too weak.
How they dragged me to the hospital sayin' I had gone deaf,
But I heard everything they said.
It's just I had no interest.
In an analogy that makes sense to most
This opportunity it found me unmarked at the far post
But I blazed it right against the crossbar
Of the pub that you had worked in since you moved here from bath spa
We agreed we couldn't trust the guy that didn't like a single sport
But those bow-legged suitors hadn't given me much of a thought
They said it smelled delicious but it smelt of burning flesh
Not meant to be malicious but this is the cross we bear
The story of the winter I forgot how to speak my mind was like a nation's flag
But my breeze was too weak.
How they dragged me to the hospital sayin' I had gone deaf,
But I heard everything they said.
It's just I had no interest.
Our friends have put the two of us on suicide watch
And every second spent away we spend watching the clock
There are photos of us holding hands outside of the frame
I was there, but wonder where our fingers were all the same
It's like a self-restraint
(it's the size of a fingernail)
And then we chew it down
(yeah we chew it down all the same)
Sad eyes for sad goodbyes
It's a crime
It's a crime
It's a crime
It's a crime
The story of the winter I forgot how to speak my mind was like a nation's flag
But my breeze was too weak.
How they dragged me to the hospital sayin' I had gone deaf,
But I heard everything they said.
It's just I had no interest.
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
'Of the pub that you had worked in since you moved here from Bath Spa'
Gareth lives in/near Bath, so this makes sense.
Shouldn't it be "unmarked at the far post" instead of "a mark"? Makes more sense to me.
I'm pretty sure that "It's like a self-restraint (It's the size of a fingernail)"
is actually "It's like our self-restraint (Is the size of a fingernail)".
It makes a lot more sense that way.
you might be right on the first line, but there's no doubt in my mind that it's "IT'S the size of a fingernail."
This one reminds me of the songs off of Hold On Now Youngster...with the trading off of lines between Gareth and Aleks. I love their newer stuff, but I wish she sang a bit more.
This one reminds me of the songs off of Hold On Now Youngster...with the trading off of lines between Gareth and Aleks. I love their newer stuff, but I wish she sang a bit more.