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.
When I saw this place
It was exactly how
I pictured it would be
not quite perfect but
just as good as I
needed it for me
Just the same as it was
but with enough wrong that I
could fix the things, that never broke
just to pass the time
Who am I lying to? Im only lying to myself
I can't face - another second in this place
Im accepting I need something else.
Things that never were
suddenly became
all that I could see
not quite crystal clear
always clouded by
reality.
Just the same as it was
but with enough wrong that I
could fix the things, that never broke
just to pass the time
Things never change
no-one comes
nothing's over til its done
oppertunities fade
until you make them stay
Who am I lying to? Im only lying to myself
I can't face - another second in this place
Im accepting I need something else.
Im lying to myself
When I saw this place
It was exactly how
I pictured it would be
not quite perfect but good enough for me
Who am I lying to? Im only lying to myself
I can't face - another second in this place
Im accepting I need something else.
It was exactly how
I pictured it would be
not quite perfect but
just as good as I
needed it for me
Just the same as it was
but with enough wrong that I
could fix the things, that never broke
just to pass the time
Who am I lying to? Im only lying to myself
I can't face - another second in this place
Im accepting I need something else.
Things that never were
suddenly became
all that I could see
not quite crystal clear
always clouded by
reality.
Just the same as it was
but with enough wrong that I
could fix the things, that never broke
just to pass the time
Things never change
no-one comes
nothing's over til its done
oppertunities fade
until you make them stay
Who am I lying to? Im only lying to myself
I can't face - another second in this place
Im accepting I need something else.
Im lying to myself
When I saw this place
It was exactly how
I pictured it would be
not quite perfect but good enough for me
Who am I lying to? Im only lying to myself
I can't face - another second in this place
Im accepting I need something else.
Lyrics submitted by aquaapple
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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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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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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.
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.