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 wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand
I would understand
The angry boy a bit too insane
Icing over a secret pain
You know you don't belong
You're the first to fight, you're way too loud
You're the flash of light on a burial shroud
I know something's wrong
Well everyone I know has got a reason
To say, "Put the past away"
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand
I would understand
Well, he's on the table and he's gone to code
And I do not think anyone knows
What they're doing here
And your friends have left you, you've been dismissed
I never thought it would come to this
And I, I want you to know
Everyone's got to face down the demons
Maybe today, you could put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand
I would understand
I would understand
(I would understand)
(I would understand)
Can you put the past away?
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
And I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
I would understand
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand
I would understand
The angry boy a bit too insane
Icing over a secret pain
You know you don't belong
You're the first to fight, you're way too loud
You're the flash of light on a burial shroud
I know something's wrong
Well everyone I know has got a reason
To say, "Put the past away"
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand
I would understand
Well, he's on the table and he's gone to code
And I do not think anyone knows
What they're doing here
And your friends have left you, you've been dismissed
I never thought it would come to this
And I, I want you to know
Everyone's got to face down the demons
Maybe today, you could put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand
I would understand
I would understand
(I would understand)
(I would understand)
Can you put the past away?
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
And I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend)
I would understand
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This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
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I've always loved this song, and like some of the people on here, it took on a deeper meaning after i lost a family member to suicide. I think this song is as much an anthem for suicide victims as it is to those of us who have survived a suicide. My heart goes out to u2elevation. One thing i have come to understand about suicide, is that often times a person has suffured so much that we have absolutely no power whatsoever to help them, there are some things that as much as we wish we could, we can't give back to the person that has lost them. I'm sure that you being his friend gave him a great deal of hope, and you probably gave him more life than you are aware of. I'm not sure if many people know this or not, but Third Eye Blind was on an episode of Road Rules Northern Trail (from about 1997 i beleive). They were sponsering a suicide hotline and had the Road Rulers make a PSA in accordance to the song "Jumper". It was really amazing, and goes to show how actice TEB is.
I hope that all of you that have been touched by, or have considered suicide find peace and hope in your lives.