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’s a fragile game we play
With the ghosts of yesterday
If we can’t let go we’ll never say goodbye
No trace of what remains
No stones to mark the graves
Only memories we thought we could deny
There was so much more to lose
Than the pain I put you through
In my carelessness I left you in the dark
And the blood may wash away
But the scars will never fade
At least I know somehow I made a mark
In the dark
In the light
Nothing left
Nothing right
In the dark
In the light
Nothing left
Nothing right!
The dark
The light
Nothing left
Nothing right
In the dark
In the light
Nothing left
Nothing right!
Nothing right!
Nothing right!
Ruah!
With the ghosts of yesterday
If we can’t let go we’ll never say goodbye
No trace of what remains
No stones to mark the graves
Only memories we thought we could deny
There was so much more to lose
Than the pain I put you through
In my carelessness I left you in the dark
And the blood may wash away
But the scars will never fade
At least I know somehow I made a mark
In the dark
In the light
Nothing left
Nothing right
In the dark
In the light
Nothing left
Nothing right!
The dark
The light
Nothing left
Nothing right
In the dark
In the light
Nothing left
Nothing right!
Nothing right!
Nothing right!
Ruah!
Lyrics submitted by AdamArtz
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I think the song is about coming to terms with an ending relationship
"There's a fragile game you play" Possibly a mind game the partner is playing which is common in romantic relationships.
"If the ghosts of yesterday if we can't let go whenever, say goodbye" If the bad times from the past keep coming up and they can't forget about it, just break off the connection between the two lovers.
"No trace of what remains No stones to mark the graves Only memories we thought we could deny" After the relationship is completely over there will still be nice memories that the couple thought they could get rid of.