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 have never taken any inspiration in a direction that won't end up with the death of you.
Do you really think all the saints are just lying... just lying... just lying in their graves?
Where are we supposed to go? I want you to remember this.
Just because I understand, doesn't mean I really care.
Have you become smarter than your own father?
Are you ready to lead with no lesson?
Your death will bring you all the answers that you've been looking for.
How does it feel to kill?
Where are we supposed to go?
I want you to remember this.
Just because I understand, doesn't really mean I care.
The fruit has been tasted and their blood is on your hands.
You won't know the truth soon enough my friend.
Did you think that ended it? Do you really think it's over?
You will have all of the answers soon enough my friend.
You're standing near the edge.
Falling from the sky, day one. You never learned to fly.
Falling into the ocean, day seven. You never learned to swim.
Sinking to the bottom of the ocean, day twenty. How could you see the bottom?
Sinking to the bottom of the ocean, day one hundred... day one hundred... day one hundred.
Why can‘t you see the bottom? Why can‘t you see the bottom?
Why can‘t you see?
Why can‘t you see the bottom? Why can‘t you see the bottom?
Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see?
Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see?
Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see?
Do you really think all the saints are just lying... just lying... just lying in their graves?
Where are we supposed to go? I want you to remember this.
Just because I understand, doesn't mean I really care.
Have you become smarter than your own father?
Are you ready to lead with no lesson?
Your death will bring you all the answers that you've been looking for.
How does it feel to kill?
Where are we supposed to go?
I want you to remember this.
Just because I understand, doesn't really mean I care.
The fruit has been tasted and their blood is on your hands.
You won't know the truth soon enough my friend.
Did you think that ended it? Do you really think it's over?
You will have all of the answers soon enough my friend.
You're standing near the edge.
Falling from the sky, day one. You never learned to fly.
Falling into the ocean, day seven. You never learned to swim.
Sinking to the bottom of the ocean, day twenty. How could you see the bottom?
Sinking to the bottom of the ocean, day one hundred... day one hundred... day one hundred.
Why can‘t you see the bottom? Why can‘t you see the bottom?
Why can‘t you see?
Why can‘t you see the bottom? Why can‘t you see the bottom?
Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see?
Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see?
Why can‘t you see? Why can‘t you see?
Lyrics submitted by stabbedbygrace
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I get the impression that these lyrics could relate both to the fall of man, the fall of Lucifer (thinking he's smarter than his own father - leading without a lesson - falling from the sky), and of course the Christian idea that a lot of people don't realize they're bound for hell (unable to see the bottom). It's probably not all three at once but Norma Jean lyrics always leaves a nice bit of space up for interpretation :-p Awesome song, even though it's definitely preachy!