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.
it's so hard for me to tell you how i feel. and i can never say exactly what i mean. you are my nineveh and i've been jonah from the start. and i can't let you make the same mistakes i've made. if for a moment i could overcome my fear i wouldn't have to hide behind this fiction wall. sometimes i wonder how i call myself your friend. a failure to myself. a failure to him. what if i told you. would you reach for him after all. would you fall down to your knees. would you walk away from it all. would you fall down at his feet. and i watch you live in months between the sun. i can't help but feel that i wanted more than this. and still i smile inside and know it's not the end. because the light of hope is brighter than this wall of silence
Lyrics submitted by PLANES
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Everyone on earth needs to download this song right now. I love this song. The lyrics are awesome, the music accompanying them is incredible. This is by far and away, the best song Brandtson has out. I just hope that they continue to produce songs like this one.
this is one of those in the "oldie, but a goodie" category. I love it. My roommate loves it. They don't play it anymore at shows, but I think it's good to listen to it while dancing around your room, screaming out the words, and repeating about a million times.... well, maybe not that, but it's a good one.
what does nineveh mean? the reference to nineveh and jonas ... i dont get it ... prolly cuz im just stupid, but if someone could tell me i'd greatly appreciate it! thanks!!
what does nineveh mean? the reference to nineveh and jonas ... i dont get it ... prolly cuz im just stupid, but if someone could tell me i'd greatly appreciate it! thanks!!
Yeah, this is easily the best song off their first album. It rocks and it has wicked lyrics. It's very evident that these guys just came from a Christian hardcore group (Six Feet Deep, RIP). BTW, the references to Ninevah and Jonah are biblical. Read the book of Jonah and you'll get what he's running from.
yeah, Ninevah is where Jonah was told to go at first, then ran away, but he ended up back there... the person who is called Ninevah in these lyrics is someone that he's trying to get away from, but can't help but be drawn back to.... I absolutely LOVE this song and I think it's one of their best
I personally think that (since brandtson is christian) that nineveh and jonah represent how he is reluctant to share christianity with his friends etc. and he's asking them, what would they do if he told them? and he wonders if he is disappointing God by not living a life that testifys his beliefs (like chirstians should) and whatever. That's what I think... and whatever it is really... it is still an amazing song, my favorite of theirs
I personally think that (since brandtson is christian) that nineveh and jonah represent how he is reluctant to share christianity with his friends etc. and he's asking them, what would they do if he told them? and he wonders if he is disappointing God by not living a life that testifys his beliefs (like chirstians should) and whatever. That's what I think... and whatever it is really... it is still an amazing song, my favorite of theirs
I have to agree with fadingxthexkisses... I think he's talking about a girl he likes (his nineveh - nineveh is the city that God told Jonah to go to but he didn't want to so he tried to escape, but couldn't -- the fish ate him and spat him on Nineveh's shore, I believe) but he doesn't want to like her. He can't tell her how he feels, and doesn't want to ruin their friendship (sometimes I wonder how I call myself your friend), but the line "a failure to him" makes me think that not only is she a friend, but perhaps a friend's girlfriend. I had never listened to this song closely until just tonight.. and wow. I love it.
Hmm, upon rereading it, I can understand Fortified's interpretation... hm, now I'm not sure. THANKS A LOT.