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.
Waved goodbye on the other side then said
"Hello don't you ever leave me"
She crossed the room and she tried to hide and said
"I told you once why don't you believe me?"
And the pink light shined knocked me blind I said
"Would you mind if I tried to make this easy?"
She clenched her eyes and rolled her fists and
wondered out loud what it takes to please me
But I was half way to the door and in the street
the band was playing just for me
I once knew her like I knew me nobody could
see how she could own me
In her room I was petrified and tried my best
to hide how she could use me
In neon signs a hundred feet high no doubt
left forever she would want me
And I was left in no such doubt that in that
one sweet moment she would haunt me
And in my dreams and nightmares the
band was there playing just for me
"I would die for you" she cried I tried
not to decide how I would leave her
There was nothing left to tell myself and
wonder if I could believe her
No time to hide no time to lie no time to
watch the world pass me by
No time to grin no time to choose
no time to chase the ghosts from my shoes
No time to win no time to bawl no time to
creep and no time to crawl
No time to sleep no time to sin no
time to lose and nothing to win
No time for heroics no time to feed nothing
to confess or to concede
Nothing to save no time for love,
sex was a curse sent from above
No time to cry no time to explain nothing
to scream and no one to blame
No time for silence no time at all no time to
fail and nowhere to fall
No time to hide no time to lie no time to
watch the world pass me by
No time to grin no time to choose
no time to chase the ghosts from my shoes
No time to win no time to bawl no time to
creep and no time to crawl
No time to sleep no time to sin no
time to lose and nothing to win
"Hello don't you ever leave me"
She crossed the room and she tried to hide and said
"I told you once why don't you believe me?"
And the pink light shined knocked me blind I said
"Would you mind if I tried to make this easy?"
She clenched her eyes and rolled her fists and
wondered out loud what it takes to please me
But I was half way to the door and in the street
the band was playing just for me
I once knew her like I knew me nobody could
see how she could own me
In her room I was petrified and tried my best
to hide how she could use me
In neon signs a hundred feet high no doubt
left forever she would want me
And I was left in no such doubt that in that
one sweet moment she would haunt me
And in my dreams and nightmares the
band was there playing just for me
"I would die for you" she cried I tried
not to decide how I would leave her
There was nothing left to tell myself and
wonder if I could believe her
No time to hide no time to lie no time to
watch the world pass me by
No time to grin no time to choose
no time to chase the ghosts from my shoes
No time to win no time to bawl no time to
creep and no time to crawl
No time to sleep no time to sin no
time to lose and nothing to win
No time for heroics no time to feed nothing
to confess or to concede
Nothing to save no time for love,
sex was a curse sent from above
No time to cry no time to explain nothing
to scream and no one to blame
No time for silence no time at all no time to
fail and nowhere to fall
No time to hide no time to lie no time to
watch the world pass me by
No time to grin no time to choose
no time to chase the ghosts from my shoes
No time to win no time to bawl no time to
creep and no time to crawl
No time to sleep no time to sin no
time to lose and nothing to win
Lyrics submitted by teaspill
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Great version of a great song,