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.
Have mercy baby
I'm descending again
Open your eyes
This time it's sink or it's swim
No sermons on ascending
No verdict on deceit
No selfish memorandum
No confusion for me
[Chorus:]
Curses
Curses and clues
A feast for fools
Have mercy baby
And hand me downs
It was just a few years ago
You'd hand me ups and map
Right out of town
But I would let it slide
Like mercury
Silver and quick
Poisonous and deadly
So deadly
[Chorus]
I'm descending again
Open your eyes
This time it's sink or it's swim
No sermons on ascending
No verdict on deceit
No selfish memorandum
No confusion for me
[Chorus:]
Curses
Curses and clues
A feast for fools
Have mercy baby
And hand me downs
It was just a few years ago
You'd hand me ups and map
Right out of town
But I would let it slide
Like mercury
Silver and quick
Poisonous and deadly
So deadly
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Descending Lyrics as written by Christopher Mark Robinson Chris Robinson
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
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.
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
sounds like another trip down the bad side of heroin...It's sad the keith Richards, jimmy pages' of the world don't come clean and tell the world the terrible side to real drug addiction.
sorry. but it is true kids.
anyway . as Chris explains, the trip down can't be avoided like it could have back in the day. It just gets tougher and at times there is no relief in site.
The chorus makes me wonder.
"Curses Curses and clues Just a feast, feast for fools"
If the song is about drug addiction, then 'the fest of fools' might be a symbol of empty hedonism present in addict's lifestyle. What about "curses and clues"? Is related to constant frustation while seeking a way to get clean? Any other idea people? Also, to bring up some discussion, I've heard that the song may be about Chris' bi-polar tendencies.
Chris is a wierd lyricst. He can write some fantastic stuff(like this one), but also complete shit. Anyway, Crowes are a great band.
Yes, I agree: about addiction, def, and most likely heroin.<br /> <br /> "I'm descending again" Means either "descending into addiction," or that he's getting high on a "downer" type drug.<br /> <br /> The second verse, with "hand me downs/hand me ups" suggests we're talking about a drug w/ "downer" effects.<br /> <br /> Sounds like a song about someone who traded in a speed addiction for a heroin addiction.
The Amorica album is so so f'n good! Listening to the tune today and rereading the lyrics to Descending, as I always think the lyrics go: no selfish memory. but it's memorandum! To all those that think it's a drug song, what the f does a memorandum have to do with drugs. Let's go beyond your addiction problems and think like me ;) The song is possible about the law as in lady justice, blind folded with her scale..ok go with me here,(open your eyes), back a few years before this Album TBC was taken to court over a contract that was supposedly written up on a napkin as to naming someone their manager: management fraud: Possible a song about the case, the court system and lady justice! Well that's how I was thinking about it today! It could also be about divorce and a break up! But as with most songs you take from it what you want to and where your at in life. Oh by the way please be reminded that this album was censored for it's cover art, f'n people and their damn hang ups! I'd much rather live in Amorica then America most days!
oh, great friggin song.
AWESOME SONG.. THE MUSIC IS BEAUTIFUL.. AND I HAVE TO AGREE WITH pt ON THE MEANINGS TIP TIP.... 2 YEARS LATER. HA.