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.
Empty silent eyes are wandering common ground
The eye we hide from starts to open in the crowd
Softly spoken words are broken; no one knows
Enter now the silence seekers focusing
The very light we try to find has lost its sheen
The leaves that hide us and winds that guide us will be gone
Silence seekers, won't you come and take all your lies away?
Enter all the silence seekers
An image or reflection that's soaked in grey
Hiding inside us, I know that they will all be gone today
The leaves that hide us and winds that guide us
I know that they will all be gone in May
Silence seekers won't you come and take all your lies away?
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home [x2]
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home (care for so long, care for so long) [x2]
Enter all the silence seekers wandering off too late
Hiding inside us, I know they'll all be gone today
I can see them - the silence seekers - why did they come too late?
Hiding in the silence, I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home (care for so long, care for so long)
Hiding in the silence, I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home
Hiding in the silence, I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
I won't let go 'til it breaks
I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
The eye we hide from starts to open in the crowd
Softly spoken words are broken; no one knows
Enter now the silence seekers focusing
The very light we try to find has lost its sheen
The leaves that hide us and winds that guide us will be gone
Silence seekers, won't you come and take all your lies away?
Enter all the silence seekers
An image or reflection that's soaked in grey
Hiding inside us, I know that they will all be gone today
The leaves that hide us and winds that guide us
I know that they will all be gone in May
Silence seekers won't you come and take all your lies away?
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home [x2]
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home (care for so long, care for so long) [x2]
Enter all the silence seekers wandering off too late
Hiding inside us, I know they'll all be gone today
I can see them - the silence seekers - why did they come too late?
Hiding in the silence, I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home (care for so long, care for so long)
Hiding in the silence, I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
Under my care for so long, you never wanted to bring me home
Hiding in the silence, I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
I won't let go 'til it breaks
I know I won't let go 'til it breaks
Lyrics submitted by FeltThroughAPhoneLine
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”
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
amazing song, amazing australian band....incredible talent