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.
Are y'all ready where you are?
Are y'all ready where you are?
Are y'all ready where you are?
Na na na na na, na na na na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na
Right now
I hope you're ready for a firefight
'Cause the devil's got your number tonight (they say)
We're never leaving this place alive
But if we sing these words we'll never die
Get off the ledge and drop the knife
Not a victim of a victim's life
Because this ain't a room full of suicides
We're believers, I believe tonight
We could leave this world, leave it all behind
We could steal this car if your folks don't mind
We could live forever if you've got the time
Na na na na na, na na na na na (if you save yourself tonight)
Na na na na na, na na na na na (if you save yourself tonight)
I'll tell you all how the story ends
Where the good guys die and the bad guys win (who cares)
It ain't about all the friends you've made
But the graffiti they write on your grave
And all of us who've seen the light
Salute the dead and lead the fight
Who gives a damn if we lose the war
Let the walls come down
Let the engines roar
We could leave this world, leave it all behind
We could steal this car if your folks don't mind
We could live forever if you've got the time, oh, oh, oh
I'm the only friend that makes you cry
You're a heart attack in black hair dye
So just save yourself and I'll hold them back tonight
Are y'all ready where you are?
If you save yourself tonight
'Cause they're coming for you
Can you save yourself tonight?
Right now
Cannot hold them back
We could leave this world, leave it all behind
We could steal this car if your folks don't mind
We could live forever if you've got the time
You motherfucker (whoa)
Through the broken glass and the morning light,
Be a burning star if it takes all night
So just save yourself I'll hold them back tonight
Na na na na na, na na na na na (if you save yourself tonight)
Na na na na na, na na na na na (can you save yourself tonight?)
Are y'all ready where you are?
Are y'all ready where you are?
Na na na na na, na na na na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na
Right now
I hope you're ready for a firefight
'Cause the devil's got your number tonight (they say)
We're never leaving this place alive
But if we sing these words we'll never die
Get off the ledge and drop the knife
Not a victim of a victim's life
Because this ain't a room full of suicides
We're believers, I believe tonight
We could leave this world, leave it all behind
We could steal this car if your folks don't mind
We could live forever if you've got the time
Na na na na na, na na na na na (if you save yourself tonight)
Na na na na na, na na na na na (if you save yourself tonight)
I'll tell you all how the story ends
Where the good guys die and the bad guys win (who cares)
It ain't about all the friends you've made
But the graffiti they write on your grave
And all of us who've seen the light
Salute the dead and lead the fight
Who gives a damn if we lose the war
Let the walls come down
Let the engines roar
We could leave this world, leave it all behind
We could steal this car if your folks don't mind
We could live forever if you've got the time, oh, oh, oh
I'm the only friend that makes you cry
You're a heart attack in black hair dye
So just save yourself and I'll hold them back tonight
Are y'all ready where you are?
If you save yourself tonight
'Cause they're coming for you
Can you save yourself tonight?
Right now
Cannot hold them back
We could leave this world, leave it all behind
We could steal this car if your folks don't mind
We could live forever if you've got the time
You motherfucker (whoa)
Through the broken glass and the morning light,
Be a burning star if it takes all night
So just save yourself I'll hold them back tonight
Na na na na na, na na na na na (if you save yourself tonight)
Na na na na na, na na na na na (can you save yourself tonight?)
Lyrics submitted by afitch1206, edited by SmashingDestiny
Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back Lyrics as written by Frank Iero Bob Bryar
Lyrics © BLOW THE DOORS OFF CHICAGO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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.
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I don't think this song is about lovers, I'm gonna think it's about close friends. And this is my favorite song on Danger Days, so beautiful lyrics and music!