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.
When we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors on our skin
We were light and paper-thin
And when we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors on our skin
'Til you let the spectrum in
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
And when we come for you
We dressed up all in blue
With the ocean in our arms
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
And when it's time to pray (better pray to God)
We'll be dressed up all in gray
With metal on our tongues
And silver in our lungs
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
And you'll scream our names aloud
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
We'll drag bodies from the ground
So say my name
And every color illuminates
And we are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
We are shining
Say my name
Say my name
And we'll never be afraid again
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors on our skin
We were light and paper-thin
And when we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors on our skin
'Til you let the spectrum in
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
And when we come for you
We dressed up all in blue
With the ocean in our arms
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
And when it's time to pray (better pray to God)
We'll be dressed up all in gray
With metal on our tongues
And silver in our lungs
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
And you'll scream our names aloud
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
We'll drag bodies from the ground
So say my name
And every color illuminates
And we are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
We are shining
Say my name
Say my name
And we'll never be afraid again
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
I do agree with most people in here, that each versus and chorus shows a peregrination of her power, confidence and, for some, relationship. But to me, went comes to the versus "When we come back we'll be dressed in black..." I think it's a refection of when power and confidence gets too much, and saying things you don't mean:
"And you'll scream our names aloud" I think showing that their is anger and upset, that they can't "illuminate" anymore and it hurts them, or that the other person is getting frustrated, like long relationships do: people take it out on each other.
"And we won't eat and we won't sleep" Is almost showing that they are surviving themselves of their affections because of the argument. "We won't sleep" (oh dear, it there a problem in the, you know.)
"We'll drag bodies from the ground" I always see as meaning the reverse of the "Shake it out" line "Bury that horse in the ground," meaning they are using things from their pasts to hurt one another.
But it is a happy ending. The long pause after this verse maybe indicating to letting the dust settle, and when Florence sings the chorus again, she sings it in a soft and more 'sympathetic' tone, to me meaning she wants to say sorry, and that their is no one else for her in the world "aaaaaawwwwwww"