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.
Tell Me How
Tell me
How'd we ever get this far
And lose each other
You say we're gonna stay good friends
But I know better
You leave so little room for doubt
You seem to have this all worked out
But there is one thing before you leave
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
When the dream that I've been living's left me now
Tell me how
It feels to be so sure
It's really over
How're we gonna tell our friends
We're not together
When people ask where you are
And break another piece of my heart
Can you tell me what I'm supposed to say
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
When the dream that I've been living's left me now
Tell me how
Before you turn and walk away
And turn your back on yesterday
And turn us into just a memory
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
When the dream that I've been living's left me now
Tell me how
Tell me how
Tell me how
Tell me
How'd we ever get this far
And lose each other
You say we're gonna stay good friends
But I know better
You leave so little room for doubt
You seem to have this all worked out
But there is one thing before you leave
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
When the dream that I've been living's left me now
Tell me how
It feels to be so sure
It's really over
How're we gonna tell our friends
We're not together
When people ask where you are
And break another piece of my heart
Can you tell me what I'm supposed to say
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
When the dream that I've been living's left me now
Tell me how
Before you turn and walk away
And turn your back on yesterday
And turn us into just a memory
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
How, how am I supposed to live without you now
How do I go on breathing
When the dream that I've been living's left me now
Tell me how
Tell me how
Tell me how
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Tell Me How Lyrics as written by John Bettis Jason Deere
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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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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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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.