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.
Three inches above the floor
Man in a box wants to burn my soul
And I'm tired
"Is that the truth?" he says
The pain is easy
Too many words, too many words
And I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em, I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em
If you’re hearing screams
Come back, child, come back
My hands are dry
But I know they're gonna make it just one more night
Too many words, too many words
And I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em, I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em
[Instrumental Bridge]
And I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em, I can hear 'em
And I can hear 'em
Lyrics submitted by typo, edited by firstsongbird
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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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well I've listened to it many times and I now am 100% sure that the first time it is "that pain is easy to put in words", but that then he says "too many words" afterwards. It's still a really great line that way, I think.