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 remember I first made your acquaintance
It was a sticky summer night
You put my handshake into your pocket until the situation was right
Many more have done it before you and many more will do it again
Spend half your life in a textbook and the other half with with your friends
Many more have done it before you and many more will never calm down
You spend half your life in the suburbs and the other half on the town
O my God you don't know when to leave you owe your god
O my God if you don't know when to quit you owe your god
I remember when I first wandered your highways
I was sleeping through the sights
I through my money away on your truck-stops in the middle of the night
When the cynical become the believers
Will the believers just take flight
And sit smoking around their campfires singing dylan songs all night?
O my God you don't know when to leave you owe your god
O my God if you don't know when to quit you owe your god
When cupid first stuck me with arrows it put the wind back in my sails
It scared the shit out of my parents they'd never seen their boy so impaled
I still remember when I first met you it was a sunny afternoon
I put your brown eyes into my suitcase
I knew they'd be looking back at me soon
O my God you don't know when to leave you owe your god
O my God if you don't know when to quit you owe your god
It was a sticky summer night
You put my handshake into your pocket until the situation was right
Many more have done it before you and many more will do it again
Spend half your life in a textbook and the other half with with your friends
Many more have done it before you and many more will never calm down
You spend half your life in the suburbs and the other half on the town
O my God you don't know when to leave you owe your god
O my God if you don't know when to quit you owe your god
I remember when I first wandered your highways
I was sleeping through the sights
I through my money away on your truck-stops in the middle of the night
When the cynical become the believers
Will the believers just take flight
And sit smoking around their campfires singing dylan songs all night?
O my God you don't know when to leave you owe your god
O my God if you don't know when to quit you owe your god
When cupid first stuck me with arrows it put the wind back in my sails
It scared the shit out of my parents they'd never seen their boy so impaled
I still remember when I first met you it was a sunny afternoon
I put your brown eyes into my suitcase
I knew they'd be looking back at me soon
O my God you don't know when to leave you owe your god
O my God if you don't know when to quit you owe your god
Lyrics submitted by hemlock_echo
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.