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.
There at these omnious shores of river Saône
There at these shores the die has been cast
Valour and honour were stripped off their meaning
We will not know innocence again
At somber nightfall the defenseless were bestially run down
Saône stained with helvetic blood
You will not shake hands with arrant beliers
You'd rather die than turn into minions
Freedom was our highest good
We ventured our lives
Meet the liar
This dead black night
Our destiny revealed
Meet the enemy
It will never be the same
At these portentous shores of river Saône
There at these shores the die has been cast
We saw the true face of the Roman ravener
The gorgoneion on the cuirass appeared
It was like playing Ludus Latrunculorum
Pieces were made of flesh and of blood
Valour and honour bereft of their meaning
The blood on your hands will forever stay
Freedom was our highest good
We ventured our lives
Meet the liar
This dead black night
Our destiny revealed
Meet the enemy
It will never be the same
It's not us to go under the Yoke
Of that fact the Roman people are witness
We will not bow!
Meet the enemy
Meet the liar
Meet the enemy
There at these shores the die has been cast
Valour and honour were stripped off their meaning
We will not know innocence again
At somber nightfall the defenseless were bestially run down
Saône stained with helvetic blood
You will not shake hands with arrant beliers
You'd rather die than turn into minions
Freedom was our highest good
We ventured our lives
Meet the liar
This dead black night
Our destiny revealed
Meet the enemy
It will never be the same
At these portentous shores of river Saône
There at these shores the die has been cast
We saw the true face of the Roman ravener
The gorgoneion on the cuirass appeared
It was like playing Ludus Latrunculorum
Pieces were made of flesh and of blood
Valour and honour bereft of their meaning
The blood on your hands will forever stay
Freedom was our highest good
We ventured our lives
Meet the liar
This dead black night
Our destiny revealed
Meet the enemy
It will never be the same
It's not us to go under the Yoke
Of that fact the Roman people are witness
We will not bow!
Meet the enemy
Meet the liar
Meet the enemy
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“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.