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.
He's a father, a man
He's a husband with stories he tells
Of days that he lived through
And things that he watched die as well
He said "I've fought wars and I've had my day
I was forced to be strong
I was taught to be brave and I was
I saw things that weren't meant to be seen
I would have lost it all for my
Country and queen but I'm here
I took the hand of a mixed race girl
And she showed me to love
Yeah she showed me the world now I'm dying"
But I can't die no I can't die
Until I've lived my life
She's a mother, a woman
A grandma with secrets she kept
And some of those secrets were the
Only thing she had left
She said "I saw women in magazines
Who I could have known, who
I could have been, yeah that's right
Cast my hands in those concrete slabs
I just wanted to sing
I just wanted to dance every night
And I had visions and I had dreams
But they weren't the same as my
Husband and children at home
And I made choices that weren't alright
And I lived my life being someone's wife
Don't I know?"
But I can't die no I can't die
I hope there are smiles in the crowd
When I'm lowered into the ground
And the earth, takes me back
And they'll say I did all I can
And I'll sleep with no dreams in my mind
'Cause my dreams were so very alive
But this time no I can't die
Until I've lived my life
No, I can't die no, I can't die
Until I've lived my life
He's a husband with stories he tells
Of days that he lived through
And things that he watched die as well
He said "I've fought wars and I've had my day
I was forced to be strong
I was taught to be brave and I was
I saw things that weren't meant to be seen
I would have lost it all for my
Country and queen but I'm here
I took the hand of a mixed race girl
And she showed me to love
Yeah she showed me the world now I'm dying"
But I can't die no I can't die
Until I've lived my life
She's a mother, a woman
A grandma with secrets she kept
And some of those secrets were the
Only thing she had left
She said "I saw women in magazines
Who I could have known, who
I could have been, yeah that's right
Cast my hands in those concrete slabs
I just wanted to sing
I just wanted to dance every night
And I had visions and I had dreams
But they weren't the same as my
Husband and children at home
And I made choices that weren't alright
And I lived my life being someone's wife
Don't I know?"
But I can't die no I can't die
I hope there are smiles in the crowd
When I'm lowered into the ground
And the earth, takes me back
And they'll say I did all I can
And I'll sleep with no dreams in my mind
'Cause my dreams were so very alive
But this time no I can't die
Until I've lived my life
No, I can't die no, I can't die
Until I've lived my life
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.