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.
It can't be saved, this love is beyond repair, my dear
But at least I'm twice the man that I once was
All things end and now I will only call you friend
My heart will not allow the words up through my throat
'Cause you walked away
My best wasn't good enough for you
I pulled most of the shrapnel from my heart
But I left a piece to remind me that
She is the heart juggler but I don't wear clown makeup or big shoes
Fire me from the cannon, far away from her tightrope
She promised to never close the door on us
But she opens and she slams it as she pleases
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
A Trojan horse could not breach the perimeter
Do you think people deserve a second chance?
I've set a new course, these arms will hold somebody new
It's a grand ocean that only invites bold sailors
'Cause you sailed away, you went to Antarctica via the Bermuda triangle
He followed you into the abyss for the sake of an icy kiss
Like a dog with his tongue hanging out
She is the heart juggler but I don't wear clown makeup or big shoes
Fire me from the cannon, far away from her tightrope
She promised to never close the door on us
But she opens and she slams it as she pleases
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
It's cruel to say you love me, my heart is all or nothing
Put your head upon my chest, the beating has no soul left
And there is so much truth in the space between our words
And it clings to bubbles and it rises to the surface
On an island there's a circus where she resides
She is the heart juggler but I don't wear clown makeup or big shoes
Fire me from the cannon, far away from her tightrope
She promised to never close the door on us
But she opens and she slams it as she pleases
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
But at least I'm twice the man that I once was
All things end and now I will only call you friend
My heart will not allow the words up through my throat
'Cause you walked away
My best wasn't good enough for you
I pulled most of the shrapnel from my heart
But I left a piece to remind me that
She is the heart juggler but I don't wear clown makeup or big shoes
Fire me from the cannon, far away from her tightrope
She promised to never close the door on us
But she opens and she slams it as she pleases
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
A Trojan horse could not breach the perimeter
Do you think people deserve a second chance?
I've set a new course, these arms will hold somebody new
It's a grand ocean that only invites bold sailors
'Cause you sailed away, you went to Antarctica via the Bermuda triangle
He followed you into the abyss for the sake of an icy kiss
Like a dog with his tongue hanging out
She is the heart juggler but I don't wear clown makeup or big shoes
Fire me from the cannon, far away from her tightrope
She promised to never close the door on us
But she opens and she slams it as she pleases
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
It's cruel to say you love me, my heart is all or nothing
Put your head upon my chest, the beating has no soul left
And there is so much truth in the space between our words
And it clings to bubbles and it rises to the surface
On an island there's a circus where she resides
She is the heart juggler but I don't wear clown makeup or big shoes
Fire me from the cannon, far away from her tightrope
She promised to never close the door on us
But she opens and she slams it as she pleases
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
Juggling hearts is a messy business, mistress
Lyrics submitted by Chrissal1x, edited by streggle, gnasher
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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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