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.
And I pray salvation leaves you here
again
And if I swear for you, I've seen the end
I bear
This weight
For you
And now if seems to me
Every time that I try
To give you peace of mind,
You go and question why.
Some things you just should know
That it was yours to show
It's like I feel this way
Because I'm wanted to.
"and I pray for"
Weight
All of the weight
Can't stand the weight
Crushing
Pushing down on me
You can't seem to see
What's left in me
And now I
I bear
This weight
For you
The pressure grates on me
Yet I am loathe to find
Some sort of middle ground
To work at compromise.
You'll never understand
What all this does to to me
I'm keeping you alive,
And yet it's killing me.
And I pray salvation leaves you here
again
And if I swear for you, I've seen the
end
Weight
All of the weight
Can't stand the weight
Crushing
Pushing down on me
You
Can't seem to see
What's left in me
And now I
Never - I won't
Compromise it - I won't
Take for granted - I won't
Give up on it - I won't
Idolize it - I must
Keep my focus - I must
Sacrifice us - I must
Never let go - I must
Not fall
again
And if I swear for you, I've seen the end
I bear
This weight
For you
And now if seems to me
Every time that I try
To give you peace of mind,
You go and question why.
Some things you just should know
That it was yours to show
It's like I feel this way
Because I'm wanted to.
"and I pray for"
Weight
All of the weight
Can't stand the weight
Crushing
Pushing down on me
You can't seem to see
What's left in me
And now I
I bear
This weight
For you
The pressure grates on me
Yet I am loathe to find
Some sort of middle ground
To work at compromise.
You'll never understand
What all this does to to me
I'm keeping you alive,
And yet it's killing me.
And I pray salvation leaves you here
again
And if I swear for you, I've seen the
end
Weight
All of the weight
Can't stand the weight
Crushing
Pushing down on me
You
Can't seem to see
What's left in me
And now I
Never - I won't
Compromise it - I won't
Take for granted - I won't
Give up on it - I won't
Idolize it - I must
Keep my focus - I must
Sacrifice us - I must
Never let go - I must
Not fall
Lyrics submitted by alexandradawn
Weight Lyrics as written by David Kowatch Cliff Rigano
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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
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.
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,
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.
Since no one actually posted a meaning here i guess i have to do it.
This song is about someone who provides for another person/people with the expectation that this person is the sole provider and the other side gives nothing, doesnt appreciate any of the provisions given, and they also question the methods that they are provided for without willing to provide for themselves and make change for themselves. It does not only apply to a relationship between lovers as so many of you seem to want to tag to all songs these days. It could be any kind of relationship. It could be friendship, family etc. One person is burdened with the problems of others who never seem to understand that the one providing for them might have his own problems that he juggles on his/her shoulders as well as theirs. Or they just dont care. The provider wants to find some middle ground but there is no compromise from the other side. At the end he is forced to sacrifice the relationship before becoming lost and drained and eventually his soul killed by the receiver.
@evilspleen - YES! Here I am replying over 4 years later, I know. I looked this song up because Google Play selected it for me, I've always loved DKL, and this song made me think of my marriage, as it stands. My wife lost her job awhile back, but refuses to look for new work, and I very much feel the WEIGHT of the added responsibility. I do absolutely feel taken for granted, and it's actually worse than that, but this is not a space for my biography. Essentially, I think you are spot-on.
it is indeed
I've been listening to this song for a long time now and just this morning it dawned on me that perhaps this song is about religion. I'm agnostic myself, however, a few lyrics seem to relate to the story of Jesus being crucified on the cross. How the lyrics speak of bearing the weight for you could mean the weight of your (our) sins. There are a few parts that could have biblical/religious references. But that's just my interpretation.
come on people, where are the comments! this is one of the best songs on the album man..
this is one of the best songs on the album