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.
The trees are growing
You planted on the hill when you were young
The fence is still holding
The posts were set so long ago
The stories you told me
Echo inside my weary head
Lessons you taught me
Got me through when things turned bad
The shotgun is loaded
That hangs above the kitchen door
When you took sick we all knew
You wouldn't be around to protect us anymore
The birds are still singing
Our earthly cares don't worry them
Melodies from the trees
Come down through the leaves and limbs
We still have our songs
Let us sing them all day long
The hour of need is here indeed
This is how we'll carry on
You planted on the hill when you were young
The fence is still holding
The posts were set so long ago
The stories you told me
Echo inside my weary head
Lessons you taught me
Got me through when things turned bad
The shotgun is loaded
That hangs above the kitchen door
When you took sick we all knew
You wouldn't be around to protect us anymore
The birds are still singing
Our earthly cares don't worry them
Melodies from the trees
Come down through the leaves and limbs
We still have our songs
Let us sing them all day long
The hour of need is here indeed
This is how we'll carry on
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
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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.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Great version of a great song,
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