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.
You're off by a long sight
You've got to find your reason right now
To put that eye up to the keyhole
To find the answers to the questions
What's it like or what's in fashion
This passion keeps us moving along
Could I be down to try to get up off the ground
To survive without you
Cause you'll still be living
While I'm busy singing to live
Give up, give in
Or get up on the roof of the big time
And try to pretend you knew better
I don't care about you
Cause you'll still be living
While I'm busy singing
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to take it if you want to
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to fake it like you always do
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
You're off by a long shot
You've got to find your reason right now
To keep your hands inside the game
To find your ride for the long haul
And let you shoulder all the blame
For this monster you can't tame
I try to pretend I knew better
I'm not scared
But I should be
Cause you'll still be living
While I'm busy singing
I will not let you live
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to take it if you want to
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to fake it like you always do
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back under
Knocked back underground
So take your chances
Treading water in the fountain of youth
The truth will set you free
Well now you're drowning in the water
In the fountain of youth
The world will set you free
Well now you're floating in the water
In the fountain of youth
The truth will set you free
Well now you're poisoning the water
In the fountain of youth
The world will set you free
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to take it if you want to
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to fake it like you always do
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
You've got to find your reason right now
To put that eye up to the keyhole
To find the answers to the questions
What's it like or what's in fashion
This passion keeps us moving along
Could I be down to try to get up off the ground
To survive without you
Cause you'll still be living
While I'm busy singing to live
Give up, give in
Or get up on the roof of the big time
And try to pretend you knew better
I don't care about you
Cause you'll still be living
While I'm busy singing
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to take it if you want to
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to fake it like you always do
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
You're off by a long shot
You've got to find your reason right now
To keep your hands inside the game
To find your ride for the long haul
And let you shoulder all the blame
For this monster you can't tame
I try to pretend I knew better
I'm not scared
But I should be
Cause you'll still be living
While I'm busy singing
I will not let you live
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to take it if you want to
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to fake it like you always do
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back under
Knocked back underground
So take your chances
Treading water in the fountain of youth
The truth will set you free
Well now you're drowning in the water
In the fountain of youth
The world will set you free
Well now you're floating in the water
In the fountain of youth
The truth will set you free
Well now you're poisoning the water
In the fountain of youth
The world will set you free
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to take it if you want to
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Take one step
Have you got it in you
You'll have to fake it like you always do
You'll have to face the consequences
That can bring you down
Don't try and play the game
Cause you could get knocked back underground
Lyrics submitted by eltroyo11
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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.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
This is a song about them hating on ADTR, I don't really know this FYS that much but I usually to listen to ADTR more. ADTR rocks so much but I guess these guys are okay as well.
ADTR4L1FE
or if you really hate ADTR:
FYSRULES_ADTRDROOLS