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.
Forget Not
Forget Not
Masquerading, the grey vultures
Coalescing in black swansongs
…Of the dead
…As the dead sigh
Therein the quickening shadows
Kisses upon lifeless fingers
…As the dead sigh
…As the dead sigh
…Of always
…As the dead sigh
Over the frontier of always
In remembrance, they are anthems
…The anthems
…Forget not
…For those gone
…Forget not
Never…
Down by the waters, beneath the willow drapery
Cold, timeless prince…Cloaked in raven wings
With two penny moons, passage through the boatman
Across starlit waters, where dreamscapes are golden…
How they lived they will be remembered
We now stand in the footsteps of the anthems
Ne obliviscaris
For the noble souls that were and will be
On…the dead sigh on
Ne obliviscaris
They are anthems
Ne obliviscaris
Forget not…forget not…forget not…never
What waits beyond in exile’s garden sings of the unknown
The renaissance of death echoes eternally, all’s not lost
Death echoes
Death echoes
Forget…
Forget not
Forget Not
Masquerading, the grey vultures
Coalescing in black swansongs
…Of the dead
…As the dead sigh
Therein the quickening shadows
Kisses upon lifeless fingers
…As the dead sigh
…As the dead sigh
…Of always
…As the dead sigh
Over the frontier of always
In remembrance, they are anthems
…The anthems
…Forget not
…For those gone
…Forget not
Never…
Down by the waters, beneath the willow drapery
Cold, timeless prince…Cloaked in raven wings
With two penny moons, passage through the boatman
Across starlit waters, where dreamscapes are golden…
How they lived they will be remembered
We now stand in the footsteps of the anthems
Ne obliviscaris
For the noble souls that were and will be
On…the dead sigh on
Ne obliviscaris
They are anthems
Ne obliviscaris
Forget not…forget not…forget not…never
What waits beyond in exile’s garden sings of the unknown
The renaissance of death echoes eternally, all’s not lost
Death echoes
Death echoes
Forget…
Forget not
Lyrics submitted by ChaosEdge
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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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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.
Ne Obliviscaris means ‘Forget Not’ in english. And it’s the motto of a powerful Scottish clan called Campbell who lasting over 700-years . So this song is basically the anthem for the Campbells.