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'm only twenty three for another hour, give or take
I'm a fan of yours and I need a good mistake
I'm not a sinner or preacher, all I have is slight of hand
I do magic tricks for all the boys in the band
Baby, could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat
I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises, oh no promises
Oh
I've never done this before, promises, promises
But I'm enjoying the illusion and the things my body says
Now you see me, now you don't, oh how well you disappear
What are you running from and may I interfere?
Baby, could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat
Oh oh baby, could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat
I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises
No, no no promises
Oh, no no no no promises
I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises
No, no no no promises
No, no no no promises
No no promises
I'm a fan of yours and I need a good mistake
I'm not a sinner or preacher, all I have is slight of hand
I do magic tricks for all the boys in the band
Baby, could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat
I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises, oh no promises
Oh
I've never done this before, promises, promises
But I'm enjoying the illusion and the things my body says
Now you see me, now you don't, oh how well you disappear
What are you running from and may I interfere?
Baby, could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat
Oh oh baby, could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat
I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises
No, no no promises
Oh, no no no no promises
I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises
No, no no no promises
No, no no no promises
No no promises
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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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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
This song is about finding someone who will be a good lay for Brandon but he isn't going to try to hard to get her. (road of least resistance) He doesn't want commitment, (no promises) and in the last verse becomes intrigued with the girl and wonders why she has decided to enter into their "f* buddy" arrangement.