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.
He wasn't lookin' for fanfare or fame
But it all came around just the same.
He then met a girl with desire in her eye,
He gave her love, she took his name.
The times they were good, the times they were bad,
Most times it was just in between.
The hard pill he swallowed was the times that they had,
She put on display for all to be seen.
Some find their solace in work or the lord,
She was quite content in her dream.
When his eyes they burned from the bright lime light,
He found comfort in the bottle of Ol' Jimmy Beam.
One day from the depths of his deep darkened hole,
He reached out for something to feel.
She offered back nothin' but lack of respect
So he left himself out with two barrels of steel.
She cried in the day, she cried in the night.
She cried loudest when someone was near.
Whether crying for him or she cried for herself,
The bigger the camera, the bigger the tear.
Most folks agree that she was living a hell
And publicly she showed her pain.
And never once was there a thought for herself,
And the ever-growing slices of fortune and fame.
Now on the coattails of a dead man she'll ride
On the coattails of a dead man she'll ride.
On the coattails of a dead man she'll ride she'll ride,
On the coattails of a dead man she'll ride she'll ride high.
But it all came around just the same.
He then met a girl with desire in her eye,
He gave her love, she took his name.
The times they were good, the times they were bad,
Most times it was just in between.
The hard pill he swallowed was the times that they had,
She put on display for all to be seen.
Some find their solace in work or the lord,
She was quite content in her dream.
When his eyes they burned from the bright lime light,
He found comfort in the bottle of Ol' Jimmy Beam.
One day from the depths of his deep darkened hole,
He reached out for something to feel.
She offered back nothin' but lack of respect
So he left himself out with two barrels of steel.
She cried in the day, she cried in the night.
She cried loudest when someone was near.
Whether crying for him or she cried for herself,
The bigger the camera, the bigger the tear.
Most folks agree that she was living a hell
And publicly she showed her pain.
And never once was there a thought for herself,
And the ever-growing slices of fortune and fame.
Now on the coattails of a dead man she'll ride
On the coattails of a dead man she'll ride.
On the coattails of a dead man she'll ride she'll ride,
On the coattails of a dead man she'll ride she'll ride high.
Coattails of a Dead Man (feat. Martina Topley-Bird & Tom Waits) song meanings
Add Your Thoughts
26 Comments
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
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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.
ha ha ha yeh, it fits perfectly. And by the way, Tom Waits rules! What would this song be without him?