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.
We only have one candle
To burn down to the handle
No matter what they say
If you live like a man, You live in tales you tell
To rage and run like a fool
You need no brain, your best tool
Stay put and as they say
Live like a man, the only way you can
You let the phone line bring it home to you
The life, the lies, the dreams
You cannot see the real thing underneath
- Naked truth revealed
You type your name on one row
To get dosed-up tomorrow
You live in a CC dream, with your machine
It's your goal supreme
You think you have it all now
The wisdom, power, know-how
Can't even think you're wrong
This is the way the brain of a male is made
You let the phone line bring it home to you
The life, the lies, the dreams
You cannot see the real thing underneath
- Naked truth revealed
If you live, you will die
You won't live forever stuck in time
Ebb and flow, push and tow
You must keep it real to find her
You let the phone line bring it home to you
The life, the lies, the dreams
Can't even see the real thing underneath
- Naked truth revealed
If you live, you will die
You won't live forever stuck in time
Ebb and flow, push and tow
You must keep it real to find her
Repeat Chorus
To burn down to the handle
No matter what they say
If you live like a man, You live in tales you tell
To rage and run like a fool
You need no brain, your best tool
Stay put and as they say
Live like a man, the only way you can
You let the phone line bring it home to you
The life, the lies, the dreams
You cannot see the real thing underneath
- Naked truth revealed
You type your name on one row
To get dosed-up tomorrow
You live in a CC dream, with your machine
It's your goal supreme
You think you have it all now
The wisdom, power, know-how
Can't even think you're wrong
This is the way the brain of a male is made
You let the phone line bring it home to you
The life, the lies, the dreams
You cannot see the real thing underneath
- Naked truth revealed
If you live, you will die
You won't live forever stuck in time
Ebb and flow, push and tow
You must keep it real to find her
You let the phone line bring it home to you
The life, the lies, the dreams
Can't even see the real thing underneath
- Naked truth revealed
If you live, you will die
You won't live forever stuck in time
Ebb and flow, push and tow
You must keep it real to find her
Repeat Chorus
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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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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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Actually, this songs seems to be more about guys who do online dating to me. Here's why:
"We only have one candle To burn down to the handle"
This is just refering to the fact that we have only one life to live.
"To rage and run like a fool You need no brain, your best tool"
The guy probably thinks he's too angry and stupid to find someone out there and that he's better off without it, even though its the best way.
"You let the phone line bring it home to you The life, the lies, the dreams You cannot see the real thing underneath
This is where the online thing is revealed. The internet runs on phonelines and the guy's addicted to it. That's how he lives his life, even though some of it are lies.
"You think you have it all now The wisdom, power, know-how Can't even think you're wrong This is the way the brain of a male is made"
He thinks his life is okay now, even though it isn't. The last two lines is the generalization that guys always think they're right even though they're obviously wrong.
"If you live, you will die You won't live forever stuck in time Ebb and flow, push and tow You must keep it real to find her "
The first two lines are about that he's better off living and dying rather than staying forever in the screen. And the final line refers that he needs to find someone out there in the real world and not online.
Just my interepretation though.