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.
You shed his blood in my name
To cover up the messes that he made
Will you please let it go? [x2]
I helped you shed in their name
But can't you see our wounds still remain?
Will you please let it go? [x4]
To cover up the messes that he made
Will you please let it go? [x2]
I helped you shed in their name
But can't you see our wounds still remain?
Will you please let it go? [x4]
Lyrics submitted by davidEAcost
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the daughter who was raped is singing to her father who murdered the rapist in revenge? maybe?
I think you're right. This song has confused me since the album was released, and this is the best explanation I've heard so far.
Maybe it's about the crusade
Maybe something to do with the crucifixion of Christ. You (a reference to the 1st century Jewish leaders) shed his (Christ's) blood in my (God's) name; To cover up the messes that He (Christ) made; Will You (a reference to the Jewish people) please let it (the Old Testament covenant) go? I (God) helped you (a reference to the Jewish people) shed in their (the Romans/and by implication everyone) name; But can't you (God) see our (everyone's) wounds still remain; Will you (everyone) please let it (your guilt - for everyone is saved by accepting His salvation by faith and by His grace, and by the blood shed on the cross) go?
I always figured it was a follow-up to Hush Yael. Maybe that the song is in the perspective of God speaking to us that would desire justice on Samir Kuntar for his violent actions by inflicting a similar pain and death that he performed on an innocent family. - To make him "beg for his life" and to "end him slow". - These desires would be considered unorthodox by a Christian nature and are examples of violence that even good people are capable of. Yes, it is a justice.. an eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth, but the new testament and the crucifixion of Jesus is a change in the human element in the actions of righteous justice. Jesus paid the price for all men so that they don't have to and it is no longer our place to take vengeance in the name of God. Even if it is pure evil. There is forgiveness for all. I think this follows the theme of the album in the sense that humans are instinctually evil and God is love, peace and forgiveness.
Not that it is easy to forgive and love someone as evil and cruel as Samir Kuntar. It is sometimes easier to hate and kill than it is to love and forgive. But I believe that this is the point the band is trying to get across. God is greater than we could imagine. We are nothing without him.
My take on this song is that the band uses a contrast so crisp to show the difficulty in forgiving. The story of Yael is so heartbreaking and anger provoking that it shows the strength needed to be able to forgive and leave it in God's hands.
Something I personally struggle with every day.
Because listening to Hush Yael, I became excited in the climax of the song. Filled with support for the words and feelings to end. him. slow. But then the next song. This song. Immediately floods those feelings with conviction.
We are to stand for what is right, true and pure. But also love and forgive the wicked.
Powerful stuff.
But.
This is just what I got out of this song. I may be way off!