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.
Here in the shell of a house
This house that is struggling to be
A beacon of light shinning all through the night
So bright that the whole world could see
But now there's a chill in the room
Windows are starting to leak
Floorboards are starting to creak
And hope, hope may arrive
The house will survive
If only these walls could speak
Take care of this house
Keep it from harm
If bandits break in sound the alarm
Care for this house
Shine it by hand
And keep it so clean
The glow can be seen all over the land
Be careful at night, check all the doors
If someone makes off with our dream
The dream will be yours
Take care of this house
Be always on call
For this house is the hope of us all
Beware of full smiles tat lead you astray
When someone is telling you lies
Let truth lead the way
Take of this house
Be always on call
Care for this house
It's the hope of us all
This house that is struggling to be
A beacon of light shinning all through the night
So bright that the whole world could see
But now there's a chill in the room
Windows are starting to leak
Floorboards are starting to creak
And hope, hope may arrive
The house will survive
If only these walls could speak
Take care of this house
Keep it from harm
If bandits break in sound the alarm
Care for this house
Shine it by hand
And keep it so clean
The glow can be seen all over the land
Be careful at night, check all the doors
If someone makes off with our dream
The dream will be yours
Take care of this house
Be always on call
For this house is the hope of us all
Beware of full smiles tat lead you astray
When someone is telling you lies
Let truth lead the way
Take of this house
Be always on call
Care for this house
It's the hope of us all
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
Take Care Of This House Lyrics as written by Alan Jay Lerner Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.