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 couldn't stop myself
I knew I'd do it again
But I could heal myself,
If I could feel your skin
And if I comprehend this moment
I know we'll live again
And if I heal your wound
We will make love again
And now we're slipping through this millennium
We should feel sorry for the people
Can I kiss your skin?
And there's hunger in the desert.
And missiles in the sky
And every soul is interwoven
Before the wrong or right
I know we'll live again
Though it's just a feeling
I know we'll never end
I'll keep you company
I knew I'd do it again
But I could heal myself,
If I could feel your skin
And if I comprehend this moment
I know we'll live again
And if I heal your wound
We will make love again
And now we're slipping through this millennium
We should feel sorry for the people
Can I kiss your skin?
And there's hunger in the desert.
And missiles in the sky
And every soul is interwoven
Before the wrong or right
I know we'll live again
Though it's just a feeling
I know we'll never end
I'll keep you company
Lyrics submitted by jt, edited by Mellow_Harsher
Killing for Company Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © YOUNG GOD PUBLISHING
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Awesome song.
It was based on a man so lonely he killed young men for company. Sad, creepy.
@Cynothoglys I agree I think there could be healthier ways to deal with loneliness :)
To expand on whats been said...Dennis Nilsen was a homosexual, who would lure young men/boys back to his place and strangle them to death. He would then keep the corpses, have sex with them, bathe them and prop them up in his house as if they were watching tv etc with him...Literally, killing for company.
Yes. Actually if you look up a swans documentary, Michael gira discusses his curiosity with Nilsen. Long live the Swans and their fantastic music. They were a huge influence of such modern rock acts as Nine Inch Nails and Tool, but I feel Swans were certainly more genuine.
I'm pleased that out of all Swans songs, this one got the most comments (Two?! But still...)
I connected with this song when I was at a strange moment in my life. Far from home, in bed with a stranger, and thinking all kinds of strange and scattershot thoughts about existence, love, suffering, et cetera. Swans have been one of those bands to me that didn't just write songs with clear cut "messages"...more like dark snapshots of abstract but very palpable emotions with lulls and climaxes (Which is why this band doesn't have too many people guessing the "meanings" on this site, I fear). I love Swans so much. There may never be another like them.
Good point, Israfel.
Cynothoglys, how do you know all this shit? Nonetheless, I'm really glad you're commenting on alot of these swans songs (and some of the coil ones too I might add).
There's a part missing in the lyrics: "I know we'll live again Though it's just a feeling I know we'll never end Like there was no beginning I know it's cold tonight I'll kiss your velvet skin I know we'll never end I'll keep you company" .
although people here are saying it was inspired by a serial killer, it still gives me another vision, for me this song might be about someone lost who'd do absolutely anything (sometimes very very dangerous stuff) just to have company, this is why i relate to it on the highest level, i was and am the same; when i moved into a bigger city, the capital of Iran. i felt the most isolated amongst the mass of the crowds. i wanted every human being to be mine. for me to be able to manipulate them the way i wanted because i needed company. now i've got too many friends and acquaintances all around the city. im used to walking miles from leaving a friend and joining another almost every day so i wouldnt have to taste my ever growling loneliness and emptiness. falsely accusing the others with the same title, wanting to give everyone the love nobody has given me has left me with an even deeper empty black hole inside my heart and mind...
M. Gira was inspired by the serial killer/necrophile Dennis Nilsen. There is actually a book by the same name, I remember reading it as a teenager. I highly recommend it if you are into that sort of thing.
wow. this song is really something ...
I read about this. I like the music.
why no one comments on swans? no one seems to even know that band!