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.
Playing god and pointing fingers in every direction but our own is a
beautiful way to live. Creating heavens out of ashes and reaching
towards the sky with every pedestal possible. We've taken two steps out
of a thousand. One small step towards understanding, and one giant leap
towards murder. Look up at the sky and the wrists we've slit. Sucking
the blood straight from the veins. Take a deep breath and make excuses
for why it burns your lungs. These skylines stand like cemeteries with
headstones for us all. This has risen from bare ground, everything we
fabricate and call beauty. This is beauty with a gun in its mouth. This
is not what was intended. Imagine walking in open fields with the ashes
of generations sifting below your feet. Stepping over centuries of
failure that have all come down to this. Serving an immediate purpose
with an everlasting effect. Mother, this is a sign of our gratitude.
Ripping the umbilical in half before conception. Your eulogy spilling
from our cracked lips. We are your sons and daughters. We rake open
your chest and watch the heart come to stillness.
beautiful way to live. Creating heavens out of ashes and reaching
towards the sky with every pedestal possible. We've taken two steps out
of a thousand. One small step towards understanding, and one giant leap
towards murder. Look up at the sky and the wrists we've slit. Sucking
the blood straight from the veins. Take a deep breath and make excuses
for why it burns your lungs. These skylines stand like cemeteries with
headstones for us all. This has risen from bare ground, everything we
fabricate and call beauty. This is beauty with a gun in its mouth. This
is not what was intended. Imagine walking in open fields with the ashes
of generations sifting below your feet. Stepping over centuries of
failure that have all come down to this. Serving an immediate purpose
with an everlasting effect. Mother, this is a sign of our gratitude.
Ripping the umbilical in half before conception. Your eulogy spilling
from our cracked lips. We are your sons and daughters. We rake open
your chest and watch the heart come to stillness.
Lyrics submitted by Milito5488
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.
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/
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.
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.