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.
I've been told, and I believe
Life is meant for living
Even when my spirit's low
There's still some room for giving
I've been many places
Maybe not as far as you
So I think I'll stay awhile
And see if my dreams come true
There isn't much that I have learned
In all my foolish years
Except that life keeps running in cycles
First there's laughter, then there's tears
But I'll keep my head up high
Although I'm kind a weary
The way the world is going today
It all seems kind a scary
But you know it's almost funny
Things can't get much worse than now
So I'll keep on trying to sing
But please just don't ask me now
Life is meant for living
Even when my spirit's low
There's still some room for giving
I've been many places
Maybe not as far as you
So I think I'll stay awhile
And see if my dreams come true
There isn't much that I have learned
In all my foolish years
Except that life keeps running in cycles
First there's laughter, then there's tears
But I'll keep my head up high
Although I'm kind a weary
The way the world is going today
It all seems kind a scary
But you know it's almost funny
Things can't get much worse than now
So I'll keep on trying to sing
But please just don't ask me now
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Cycles Lyrics as written by Gayle Caldwell
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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