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.
Aldo's standing at his table
And he's wondering if he's able
To pick the number right this time
He watches as the wheel stops spinning
Sees the number that is winning
As he reaches for his glass of wine
Once he starts it's hard to stop
He's keeping up a pace like a tight wound clock
Be sure you don't step in his way
He'll keep those numbers rolling
This may be his last day
As all the bets are taken
Aldo lights a smoke, he's shaking
From carnation right to the ground
He knows tonight holds one last chance
And give the wheel a final glance
Slippery fingers drop the money down
Once he starts it's hard to stop
He's keeping up a pace like a tight wound clock
And as he leaves the table, "No luck today"
You can rest assured
He's coming back to try again
Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down
And he's wondering if he's able
To pick the number right this time
He watches as the wheel stops spinning
Sees the number that is winning
As he reaches for his glass of wine
Once he starts it's hard to stop
He's keeping up a pace like a tight wound clock
Be sure you don't step in his way
He'll keep those numbers rolling
This may be his last day
As all the bets are taken
Aldo lights a smoke, he's shaking
From carnation right to the ground
He knows tonight holds one last chance
And give the wheel a final glance
Slippery fingers drop the money down
Once he starts it's hard to stop
He's keeping up a pace like a tight wound clock
And as he leaves the table, "No luck today"
You can rest assured
He's coming back to try again
Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down
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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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"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
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Such simple explanations here- I will elaborate with my opinion:
Gambling is an Addiction.
When someone starts to win their ego takes over. They think they can beat the house and win it all.
Sadly the addiction becomes exacerbating, taking all their money, and sometimes their will to live.
Like doing speed, in the beginning it is exciting and breathtaking; but once the high is over the come down is harsh and abrupt.
The gambler has lost all their money and have nothing left even to get a drink or something to eat.
The casino could now care less about them as they have nothing left to offer the casino, so they spit them out like trash.
Same thing with drugs; it's great while the rush is on, but all you are left with is a broke pocket and headache.
Gambling and drugs are satans way to destroy peoples minds and leave them useless and withering away in pain. Put on God's Armor and these issues will not affect you. Do not let selfish, self satisfying habits consume you to the point of death. The punishment for sin is death. Satan loves sin as he loves death, destruction and despair. Control yourself and control you life for eternal life awaits the faithful and those that serve the Lord.
God bless all who read this and to each of you, go to church.
I think its about a man with a gambling addiction who constantly gambles away his money at the roulette table
I don't know about an addiction, but the song is indeed about a gambler