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.
Is there a sign on the back of my head
that says
desensitized?
Well I'm sorry I said anything.
You sang a song
you then learned to sing
and said that you missed the songs you sang
before you learned anything.
In a fishbowl on the beach,
I know the salty water stings,
but it's not hard to see
from a bowl the world's out of reach.
I see my face in the lake at the end of a pier.
All the fish seem to wonder what I'm doing here,
when I hold my head under and hear them all scoff.
I just open up my mouth and let my mind jump off.
It says there's a sign at the end of this swamp
that says destruct, it's fucked it's done it's just mud,
no such dumb luck.
Construct new huts,
blind new kinds of ducks
then make them occupy new titles
like on the royal aisle,
where they print up a phone book
as thick as a bible.
You were baptized in a river,
I was thrown off a bridge.
Then I landed on a crab you slept with seahorses.
I started having seizures, you started having kids.
You found your inner self, I found my inner fish.
And my other car is a boat, it has a boat name.
I thought we both came, but no.
No such conch, no pontoon, no one is listening to you.
The sun does wonders to your brain the way it burns right through.
I am swimming in a trough,
I'm sure you've written me off by now
but just when I think that all is lost,
I see you stepping in the water.
To me every edge of the lake is a fifty foot cliff
and once you are swimming with me there's no way out of this.
So let's just turn back into amphibians.
Let's just tread until our legs give in.
Let's start over.
that says
desensitized?
Well I'm sorry I said anything.
You sang a song
you then learned to sing
and said that you missed the songs you sang
before you learned anything.
In a fishbowl on the beach,
I know the salty water stings,
but it's not hard to see
from a bowl the world's out of reach.
I see my face in the lake at the end of a pier.
All the fish seem to wonder what I'm doing here,
when I hold my head under and hear them all scoff.
I just open up my mouth and let my mind jump off.
It says there's a sign at the end of this swamp
that says destruct, it's fucked it's done it's just mud,
no such dumb luck.
Construct new huts,
blind new kinds of ducks
then make them occupy new titles
like on the royal aisle,
where they print up a phone book
as thick as a bible.
You were baptized in a river,
I was thrown off a bridge.
Then I landed on a crab you slept with seahorses.
I started having seizures, you started having kids.
You found your inner self, I found my inner fish.
And my other car is a boat, it has a boat name.
I thought we both came, but no.
No such conch, no pontoon, no one is listening to you.
The sun does wonders to your brain the way it burns right through.
I am swimming in a trough,
I'm sure you've written me off by now
but just when I think that all is lost,
I see you stepping in the water.
To me every edge of the lake is a fifty foot cliff
and once you are swimming with me there's no way out of this.
So let's just turn back into amphibians.
Let's just tread until our legs give in.
Let's start over.
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I always thought it was "royal isle", as in island. Goes more toward the water theme of the song. Plus, there's Isle Royale in Michigan. May be a connection there?