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.
Look behind what lies on the surface
rituals to read the signs signify the life I leave behind... behind,
Lies set me free, release me, embrace me, cleanse me
I am not alone something so much greater than I look behind
What lies on the surface humbled soul to reveal a purpose
Outstratched arms to welcome the sacrifice of this body
rituals to read the signs signify the life I leave behind... behind,
Lies set me free, release me, embrace me, cleanse me
I am not alone something so much greater than I look behind
What lies on the surface humbled soul to reveal a purpose
Outstratched arms to welcome the sacrifice of this body
Lyrics submitted by xXx Converge xXx, edited by Antorov
Irreversal Lyrics as written by Jesse Leach Adam Dutkiewitz
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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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,
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It's obvious from the lyrics t their songs, that Jessie is deeply spiritual/Christian and I think this song is about realising that there is a God, and that by realising this, he also realises that he has to change.