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 don't fall slow like I used to
I fall straight down
You've stolen my air catcher
That kept me safe and sound
My parachutes will guide me
Safely to ground
But now the cord's not working
And I see you staring me down
I won't fall in
Love with falling
I will try to avoid
Those eyes
Oh
I think you would beat
The moon in a pretty contest
And the moon just happened to be
The very first thing that I missed
I was doing fine on my own
And there wasn't much I lacked
But you've stolen my air catcher
And I don't know if I want it back
I won't fall in
Love with falling
I will try to avoid
Those eyes
'Cause I'm not sure
I want to give you
Tools that can destroy
My heart
And I just don't say
What you want to hear
So I'll write my fears
And I don't believe
In talking just to breathe
And falling selfishly
I won't fall in
Love with falling
I will try to avoid
Those eyes
But now I'm here
To give you words
As tools that can destroy
My heart
I fall straight down
You've stolen my air catcher
That kept me safe and sound
My parachutes will guide me
Safely to ground
But now the cord's not working
And I see you staring me down
I won't fall in
Love with falling
I will try to avoid
Those eyes
Oh
I think you would beat
The moon in a pretty contest
And the moon just happened to be
The very first thing that I missed
I was doing fine on my own
And there wasn't much I lacked
But you've stolen my air catcher
And I don't know if I want it back
I won't fall in
Love with falling
I will try to avoid
Those eyes
'Cause I'm not sure
I want to give you
Tools that can destroy
My heart
And I just don't say
What you want to hear
So I'll write my fears
And I don't believe
In talking just to breathe
And falling selfishly
I won't fall in
Love with falling
I will try to avoid
Those eyes
But now I'm here
To give you words
As tools that can destroy
My heart
Lyrics submitted by bookhouseboy23, edited by 22ndPilot, randomname123, TyGuyAndJishwa
Air Catcher Lyrics as written by Tyler Joseph
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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An air catcher is just another term for the parachute he mentions. He's used to being in control of his feelings when he is in a relationship, which means that he allows his love to evolve on his own terms and controls it with the "cord" he mentions. He "parachutes" into love at his own pace. But he has lost control of his air catcher with this woman; he is falling in love with her. However, he is uncomfortable with giving her the tools to destroy his heart (saying that he loves her which opens him up to this pain). By the end he decides to say he loves her and give in to his love for her even though he knows it will open him up to being hurt by her.