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.
[Ben Sotto]
A young man, suffering from a disease, is afraid to die.
Knowing that the end is near, he asks to be guided towards death.
[1st verse :]
Sick in a white room
The disease is invading me
The countdown has begun
My consciousness disappearing
[2nd verse :]
Where is my way
Should I wait for my turn
I have to contemplate the world
A last time in my life
[bridge :]
Then I cried again and I cried again
Running into the wind
Under the sun, fighting the pain inside of me
Step by step my body'll leave my brain
Running into the wind
Under the sun, crossing the edge turbulants of life
[chorus :]
Time will not wait and my future feels so strange
Turning back to live once again
But I know
I'm condemned to die
[solo (Alex/Fred)]
[break :]
I'm getting weaker
My heart's feeling fragile
Lord you let me down
Please before I'm going on
Be my guide
[solo 2 (Fred /Alex)]
[bridge :]
Step by step my body'll leave my brain
Running into the wind
Under the sun, crossing the edge turbulants of life
[chorus :]
Time will not wait and my future feels so strange
Turning back to live once again
But I know
Yes I know
[chorus :]
Time will not wait and my future feels so strange
Turning back to live once again
But I know
I know
A young man, suffering from a disease, is afraid to die.
Knowing that the end is near, he asks to be guided towards death.
[1st verse :]
Sick in a white room
The disease is invading me
The countdown has begun
My consciousness disappearing
[2nd verse :]
Where is my way
Should I wait for my turn
I have to contemplate the world
A last time in my life
[bridge :]
Then I cried again and I cried again
Running into the wind
Under the sun, fighting the pain inside of me
Step by step my body'll leave my brain
Running into the wind
Under the sun, crossing the edge turbulants of life
[chorus :]
Time will not wait and my future feels so strange
Turning back to live once again
But I know
I'm condemned to die
[solo (Alex/Fred)]
[break :]
I'm getting weaker
My heart's feeling fragile
Lord you let me down
Please before I'm going on
Be my guide
[solo 2 (Fred /Alex)]
[bridge :]
Step by step my body'll leave my brain
Running into the wind
Under the sun, crossing the edge turbulants of life
[chorus :]
Time will not wait and my future feels so strange
Turning back to live once again
But I know
Yes I know
[chorus :]
Time will not wait and my future feels so strange
Turning back to live once again
But I know
I know
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Condemned to Die Lyrics as written by Benjamin Sotto
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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@[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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