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.
[Chorus]
Sometimes, I feel like I can do anything and
Sometimes, I'm so alive
Sometimes, I feel like I can zoom cross the sky and,
Sometimes, I want to cry
Most people try to aim to please
But a lot a them are kinda weak in the knees
Learnin' late about the birds and the bees
Falllin' in love and want to bee set free
Playin' ball at the age of thirteen
Everybody's growin up with a dream
I never noticed what could happen to me
Time flies when you're walkin' the streets
One minute gotcha holdin' an ace
The next minute gotcha fall on yer face
A mean city is a nasty place
Only a rat can win a rat race!
Peace to the people who be fallin' away
To make it home today
And peace to the people who be tryin' to find
Som kinda life
[Chorus]
Sound body and sound of mind
Sound of the rhythm and sound of the rhyme
Somebody marchin' all out of time
Biggest mistakes are the humanest kind
Judge not, lest you be judged
The court room or the billy club
Blood bubblin' thicker than mud
The heart beat rub-a-dub-dub
Show love and love who you know
Family wherever you go
Tokyo to Acapulco
Bravissimo, magnifico
Peace to the people who be losing their head
Peace to the people who be needin' a bed
Love to the people who be feelin' alone
Spreadin' love upon the microphone
Hope to the people who be feelin' down
Smile to the people who be wearin' a frown
Faith to the people who be seekin' the truth y'all
All of the time, and I say
[Chorus]
Sometimes, I feel like I can do anything and
Sometimes, I'm so alive
Sometimes, I feel like I can zoom cross the sky and,
Sometimes, I want to cry
Most people try to aim to please
But a lot a them are kinda weak in the knees
Learnin' late about the birds and the bees
Falllin' in love and want to bee set free
Playin' ball at the age of thirteen
Everybody's growin up with a dream
I never noticed what could happen to me
Time flies when you're walkin' the streets
One minute gotcha holdin' an ace
The next minute gotcha fall on yer face
A mean city is a nasty place
Only a rat can win a rat race!
Peace to the people who be fallin' away
To make it home today
And peace to the people who be tryin' to find
Som kinda life
[Chorus]
Sound body and sound of mind
Sound of the rhythm and sound of the rhyme
Somebody marchin' all out of time
Biggest mistakes are the humanest kind
Judge not, lest you be judged
The court room or the billy club
Blood bubblin' thicker than mud
The heart beat rub-a-dub-dub
Show love and love who you know
Family wherever you go
Tokyo to Acapulco
Bravissimo, magnifico
Peace to the people who be losing their head
Peace to the people who be needin' a bed
Love to the people who be feelin' alone
Spreadin' love upon the microphone
Hope to the people who be feelin' down
Smile to the people who be wearin' a frown
Faith to the people who be seekin' the truth y'all
All of the time, and I say
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Sometimes Lyrics as written by Les Reed Barry Mason
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
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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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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