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.
I am god
The only one
I will bring back
Freedom to your heart
You won't believe
That blind can see
No one else before me ever knew
The way to paradise
For another bloody crime
I shall return
I am your light on through the night
Why am I born
Will I fail to rise again
Another crucifixion for
Another holy war
Can't stop what's going on
Can't stop what's going on
Sooner or later you must understand
My words bring freedom
And rescue for man
What else,
To call me your Messiah
Oh, I wish there could be another way
Cross and nails are already prepared
My sell out
Waits till I'm crucified
I will die before my vision ends
Why am I born
Will I fail to rise again
Another crucifixion for
Another holy war
Can't stop what's going on
Can't stop what's going on
Wait for the dawn
To take me away
What will be if I fail
Another golden calve
Never, never ending
Pain and agony
Hit me, nail me make me god
The only one
I will bring back
Freedom to your heart
You won't believe
That blind can see
No one else before me ever knew
The way to paradise
For another bloody crime
I shall return
I am your light on through the night
Why am I born
Will I fail to rise again
Another crucifixion for
Another holy war
Can't stop what's going on
Can't stop what's going on
Sooner or later you must understand
My words bring freedom
And rescue for man
What else,
To call me your Messiah
Oh, I wish there could be another way
Cross and nails are already prepared
My sell out
Waits till I'm crucified
I will die before my vision ends
Why am I born
Will I fail to rise again
Another crucifixion for
Another holy war
Can't stop what's going on
Can't stop what's going on
Wait for the dawn
To take me away
What will be if I fail
Another golden calve
Never, never ending
Pain and agony
Hit me, nail me make me god
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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.
I definitely think this, and Precious Jerusalem are about Jesus of Nazareth. It speaks of his life and of his death. It talks of his doubts, Judas' betrayal, and I think his views on wars taken in his name.
I hadn't thought of the Dune aspect, but that is an interesting thought; though not much of the song could be tied with it.