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.
I held the world in my arms
I threw away the moon for the stars
Couldn't see the forest for the trees
Couldn't see the love in front of me
What would it take to take me back?
Rebuild that bridge, retrace my tracks
I would give all I own, for one little stepping stone
What would it take to take me back?
I miss waking up with you there
Morning sun bouncing off your hair
And you all tangled up in silk and lace
A masterpiece no one can paint
What would it take to take me back?
Rebuild that bridge, retrace my tracks
I would give all I own, for one little stepping stone
What would it take to take me back?
Oh, what would it take to take me back?
I threw away the moon for the stars
Couldn't see the forest for the trees
Couldn't see the love in front of me
What would it take to take me back?
Rebuild that bridge, retrace my tracks
I would give all I own, for one little stepping stone
What would it take to take me back?
I miss waking up with you there
Morning sun bouncing off your hair
And you all tangled up in silk and lace
A masterpiece no one can paint
What would it take to take me back?
Rebuild that bridge, retrace my tracks
I would give all I own, for one little stepping stone
What would it take to take me back?
Oh, what would it take to take me back?
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.