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.
Swindon town going down
Another division today
With the introduction of 'Mondex' cards
Personality on display
Out with those tiresome coins and notes
It's a credit card status mirror to show
You're a flexible reliable upbeat type
Choosing to follow the 'optional' hype
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
Here it all is to choose or refuse
All your statistics, the portable you
Name and number, size and amount
Of transferable credit in your bank account
Swindon town is being taken down
The disinformation highway
Consumer credibility testing ground
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
The 'optional' tag is original stance
You don't have to do it, but now here's your chance
Gradually the rich and social élite
Will be forcing the standards for us all to meet
And once reported to be a success
By those who do the consumer tests
It'll be standard procedure across the nation
Like satellite dishes - infatuation
Gimmy, gimmy, gimmy more of it now
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
Novelty rat race, acceleration
Into a future with all hesitation
Set aside by the fear of alienation
From society - It's all connotation
It's all connotation
You are what you carry on plastic cards
And plastic cards are carrying you
When all you contain and all that you are
Is lost - Well what will you do?
But we refuse to play
But we refuse to play - Create a false desire then feed it
But we refuse to play - Create a false desire then feed it
But we refuse to play - Create a false desire then feed it
Create a false desire then feed it
Create a false desire then feed it
Another division today
With the introduction of 'Mondex' cards
Personality on display
Out with those tiresome coins and notes
It's a credit card status mirror to show
You're a flexible reliable upbeat type
Choosing to follow the 'optional' hype
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
Here it all is to choose or refuse
All your statistics, the portable you
Name and number, size and amount
Of transferable credit in your bank account
Swindon town is being taken down
The disinformation highway
Consumer credibility testing ground
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
The 'optional' tag is original stance
You don't have to do it, but now here's your chance
Gradually the rich and social élite
Will be forcing the standards for us all to meet
And once reported to be a success
By those who do the consumer tests
It'll be standard procedure across the nation
Like satellite dishes - infatuation
Gimmy, gimmy, gimmy more of it now
Believe consume then pay
Believe consume then pay
Novelty rat race, acceleration
Into a future with all hesitation
Set aside by the fear of alienation
From society - It's all connotation
It's all connotation
You are what you carry on plastic cards
And plastic cards are carrying you
When all you contain and all that you are
Is lost - Well what will you do?
But we refuse to play
But we refuse to play - Create a false desire then feed it
But we refuse to play - Create a false desire then feed it
But we refuse to play - Create a false desire then feed it
Create a false desire then feed it
Create a false desire then feed it
Lyrics submitted by ThECr4cKFa1rY
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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 seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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