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.
Walk in silence
Don't walk away, in silence
See the danger
Always danger
Endless talking
Life rebuilding
Don't walk away
Walk in silence
Don't turn away, in silence
Your confusion
My illusion
Worn like a mask of self-hate
Confronts and then dies
Don't walk away
People like you find it easy
Aching to see
Walking on air
Hunting by the rivers, through the streets, every corner
Abandoned too soon
Set down with due care
Don't walk away in silence
Don't walk away
Don't walk away, in silence
See the danger
Always danger
Endless talking
Life rebuilding
Don't walk away
Walk in silence
Don't turn away, in silence
Your confusion
My illusion
Worn like a mask of self-hate
Confronts and then dies
Don't walk away
People like you find it easy
Aching to see
Walking on air
Hunting by the rivers, through the streets, every corner
Abandoned too soon
Set down with due care
Don't walk away in silence
Don't walk away
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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.
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when looking at the lyrics of atmosphere and many of their songs, its important to look at it from ians point of view, one of self-hate (probably because of his epilepsy), isolation and confusion.
I think quite simply, this song is to those who misunderstood him, i have a feeling ian was talkative, and confrontative to the ones who were closest to him. People often make irrational attacks on the ones they love or truly care about, it happens because we are vulnerable and scared.
"My illusion, worn like a mask of self-hate, confronts and then dies". He's saying, dont leave me here by myself, its all an act, im really not as tough as a make myself out to be, and the only reason i do it to this extent, is because i dont find it as easy as people like you (who don't have see things the way i do). im confused and vulnerable, dont leave until you see that part of me. "every corner abandoned too soon". The people that misundestood (or were confused by) his behaviour, often misunderstood a lot more than just him, they never read between the lines. So he's just asking them, to stick by him, "don't walk away, don't walk awaaaay, in silence".
So i agree with blithewater but I just thought I'd add more.