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 can trip smug smiling in your worn-out shoes
Cast away the rhythm of eternity's fugue
Grapple with the tongue of hope till it abandons you
But you can't deny a gift
Falter at the well, making heroes out of ghosts
Stuffing yourself on thankless boasts
But I have faith in your withering soul
'Cause you can't deny a gift
Oh, no, you can't deny a gift
A gift of one and a gift to all
The wings to soar and not to fall
A gift of light in the abyss
Higher ground above the pit
The choice to live that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
Though this gift lacks frivolous flair
It doesn't sparkle in the sun and requires little care
It's one of volume enough to spare
Throw down defense and we will share
Throw down defense and we will share
A gift of one and a gift to all
The wings to soar and not to fall
A gift of light in the abyss
Higher ground above the pit
The choice to live that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
A gift of one and a gift to all
The wings to soar and not to fall
A gift of light in the abyss
Higher ground above the pit
The choice to live that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
Cast away the rhythm of eternity's fugue
Grapple with the tongue of hope till it abandons you
But you can't deny a gift
Falter at the well, making heroes out of ghosts
Stuffing yourself on thankless boasts
But I have faith in your withering soul
'Cause you can't deny a gift
Oh, no, you can't deny a gift
A gift of one and a gift to all
The wings to soar and not to fall
A gift of light in the abyss
Higher ground above the pit
The choice to live that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
Though this gift lacks frivolous flair
It doesn't sparkle in the sun and requires little care
It's one of volume enough to spare
Throw down defense and we will share
Throw down defense and we will share
A gift of one and a gift to all
The wings to soar and not to fall
A gift of light in the abyss
Higher ground above the pit
The choice to live that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
A gift of one and a gift to all
The wings to soar and not to fall
A gift of light in the abyss
Higher ground above the pit
The choice to live that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
That is a gift, that is a gift, that is a gift
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
The Gift Lyrics as written by Maria Mc Kee
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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