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.
Do you remember when the days gone by
Or is there no point for us to even try
Back when we didn't have a care in the world, Getting drunk and chasing girls
Do you remember the days gone past
And how we always wanted the good times to last
The time we spent hanging out
Is how we learned what life is about
Everything is set for the perfect night
When music is playing and it sounds just right
It gets inside and helps you to be
All that you want and you are free
Those times that we all hoped would last
It seems that they've gone by so fast
I woke up one day and I was 25
With a hell of a hangover and some demented sense of pride
All we had was our dreams that's all we needed to be free
After the party came and went
I found myself half bent
I had to stop and look around
And my friends were all I found
All these things I thought were wrong
But these contradictions they made me strong
I know I can be free and it all came from inside of me
All we had was our dreams
That's all we needed to be free
Do you remember?
I do!
Or is there no point for us to even try
Back when we didn't have a care in the world, Getting drunk and chasing girls
Do you remember the days gone past
And how we always wanted the good times to last
The time we spent hanging out
Is how we learned what life is about
Everything is set for the perfect night
When music is playing and it sounds just right
It gets inside and helps you to be
All that you want and you are free
Those times that we all hoped would last
It seems that they've gone by so fast
I woke up one day and I was 25
With a hell of a hangover and some demented sense of pride
All we had was our dreams that's all we needed to be free
After the party came and went
I found myself half bent
I had to stop and look around
And my friends were all I found
All these things I thought were wrong
But these contradictions they made me strong
I know I can be free and it all came from inside of me
All we had was our dreams
That's all we needed to be free
Do you remember?
I do!
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
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
What a totally great tune by these guys, it talks about friendship and growing up in a way I couldn't have put better myself. In fact I'm gonna listen now... :-)
This song kicks ass... cant help but love it!
in 87 is when the band was formed.... singing about how things used to be =-)
takes you back to the good old days and even if our good old days arent THEIR good old days, doesnt take away from the fact that we all know what it's like to remember.
long live 87. shit, dude, i was one. insaaano. <3