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.
A friend is more than a companion
A foe is less than that to me
When you hear the words
The words you long to hear
Open up
The guidance from a close and loved one
Is more important than you think
When your arms a closed
The open with the key
Secret key
Clashed hands
Shaking in the closet
Hands down
You will have to see
Past plans
Forgotten and remembered
Act now
When I dont know where to go
Everything that you say
To your closest one
Makes you feel like a pain
Toward everyone
When the words are unkind
Youll regret the choice
For as long as you choose
There may be rejoice
In the colour of day
When you see the truth
Take a step to the front
To the brunt of youth
Understand what they mean
When they say the words
When sorry is said
Feel it to your bones
Amenze is made with a connection
A lonely man becomes a king]
When you need the words
The words you long to feel
Listen up
The triumph of a close and loved one
The journey to the golden throne
When the gown is graced
Proceed towards the stage
Golden stage
Clashed hands
Shaking in the closet
Hands down
You will have to see
Past plans
Verbatim and forgotten
Act now
When I dont know where to go
Everything that you say
To your closest one
Makes you feel like a pain
Toward everyone
When the words are unkind
Youll regret the choice
For as long as you choose
There may be rejoice
In the colour of day
When you see the truth
Take a step to the front
To the brunt of youth
Understand what they mean
When they say the words
When sorry is said
Feel it to your bones
A foe is less than that to me
When you hear the words
The words you long to hear
Open up
The guidance from a close and loved one
Is more important than you think
When your arms a closed
The open with the key
Secret key
Clashed hands
Shaking in the closet
Hands down
You will have to see
Past plans
Forgotten and remembered
Act now
When I dont know where to go
Everything that you say
To your closest one
Makes you feel like a pain
Toward everyone
When the words are unkind
Youll regret the choice
For as long as you choose
There may be rejoice
In the colour of day
When you see the truth
Take a step to the front
To the brunt of youth
Understand what they mean
When they say the words
When sorry is said
Feel it to your bones
Amenze is made with a connection
A lonely man becomes a king]
When you need the words
The words you long to feel
Listen up
The triumph of a close and loved one
The journey to the golden throne
When the gown is graced
Proceed towards the stage
Golden stage
Clashed hands
Shaking in the closet
Hands down
You will have to see
Past plans
Verbatim and forgotten
Act now
When I dont know where to go
Everything that you say
To your closest one
Makes you feel like a pain
Toward everyone
When the words are unkind
Youll regret the choice
For as long as you choose
There may be rejoice
In the colour of day
When you see the truth
Take a step to the front
To the brunt of youth
Understand what they mean
When they say the words
When sorry is said
Feel it to your bones
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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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Plastic Bag
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“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
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This song is the story of adolescent mishap. It's about not listening to anyone even when they are clearly correct. The nature of the bands sound and style leads me to believe that drug use and self medication (see shelter song, which is somewhat of a precursor to this song) is the root of this song. "The golden throne" is a place where you get to with an inflated ego, denial and lack of insight. It's a place where you become blinded by fantasy, it could be described as living in reality that is false which is built within your own mind. (This is why I think their name is temples) while sitting upon the throne you are completely engulfed in lies to and from yours truly. Shelter song, golden throne, keep in the dark, and the guesser are all connected the throne is referenced at least once in throughout them. They were also the 4 songs released before the full album was. Also I think some of the lyrics are currently incorrect but in some cases they are very inaudible so it's hard to be sure.