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.
Well, I can see what you mean
It just takes me longer
And I can feel what you feel
It just makes you stronger
I know, I know, I know
Oh, the feeling grows
I see, I see, I see
It's got to be
You can take me for a little while
You can take me, you can make me smile
In the end
Well, I can do what you do
You just do it better
And I can cry like you cry
It just makes me sadder
Well, I can shine like you shine
It doesn't make me brighter
But if I think like you think
It don't make my load much lighter
It just takes me longer
And I can feel what you feel
It just makes you stronger
I know, I know, I know
Oh, the feeling grows
I see, I see, I see
It's got to be
You can take me for a little while
You can take me, you can make me smile
In the end
Well, I can do what you do
You just do it better
And I can cry like you cry
It just makes me sadder
Well, I can shine like you shine
It doesn't make me brighter
But if I think like you think
It don't make my load much lighter
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Light Up The Sky
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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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Although I know Neil Peart well enough to know he probably did not initially intend this. But next time you listen to this song, think of it as a non believer talking to a believer that just gave them their testimony. It really works. Love Rush!! Peace.