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.
I've tried to find reconciliation behind the walls of those whose hatred burns.
For I find it easier to reach someone who still feels,
Than to make amends with passionless apathy.
Where all lines are the same a portrait cannot be made.
I need to burn inside.
I need to know that you are alive.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand.
Like a colorless sky over a sea of nothingness,
Hatred faces it's enemies while apathy strikes furtively.
I need to burn inside.
I need to know that you are alive.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand
Until our anger burns against injustice, we will create
The faceless by dismissing those forced to concede.
Many of us have turned off the light outside,
Erasing what exists beyond our front door.
And for you I find it harder to reach common ground
Than my most glaring opposition.
But what about those who've lost the luxury of choice?
Striving for identity, buried by our lack of interest,
Souls marked as mere history.
How much grievance will it take to awaken us?
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand=
How much grievance will it take to awaken us from the comfort of our homes?
The comfort of our over sized graves.
I've tried to find reconciliation
I've tried to find reconciliation
For I find it easier to reach someone who still feels,
Than to make amends with passionless apathy.
Where all lines are the same a portrait cannot be made.
I need to burn inside.
I need to know that you are alive.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand.
Like a colorless sky over a sea of nothingness,
Hatred faces it's enemies while apathy strikes furtively.
I need to burn inside.
I need to know that you are alive.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand
Until our anger burns against injustice, we will create
The faceless by dismissing those forced to concede.
Many of us have turned off the light outside,
Erasing what exists beyond our front door.
And for you I find it harder to reach common ground
Than my most glaring opposition.
But what about those who've lost the luxury of choice?
Striving for identity, buried by our lack of interest,
Souls marked as mere history.
How much grievance will it take to awaken us?
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand.
I need to know that feelings of discontent are stronger
Than indifference for those too weak to stand=
How much grievance will it take to awaken us from the comfort of our homes?
The comfort of our over sized graves.
I've tried to find reconciliation
I've tried to find reconciliation
Lyrics submitted by grantelfen
Anger and Apathy Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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i think it has to do with all us americans that feels comfortable with doing whst they do on an average persons life, i think its kinda saying were in some type of slavery by the government. Idk i just thought that cause their album title is The Powerless Rise, and in the song he says "ive tried to find reconciliation" and reconciliation means to change standards, and an average day person has the same standards basically, and he says "how much grievance will it take to awaken us from the comfort of our home" and grievance means inflicting stronger attitude or pressure on someone, so i think its saying something along the lines of slavery or everyday rules. so overall i think it means we can all be the powerfull ones. idk im just thinking out loud. but thats just my guess