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.
Oh, I look at the stars and think how much I hate you, and I see Mercury.
Inside this heart I hold is the hate I hold for you,
but you'd never see it's dimmed by old flames.
If I had another dollar for every time I thought of you, I'd buy another memory.
But the hate I hold inside burns as bright as mercury.
I wish you were here to know what I say,
to direct to the consequences left to pay.
If you leave before I'm gone, sing to me the siren song.
Take me back to where you are, heal my temporary scars.
Forget the songs for you I’ve sung, forget the smoke that fills your lungs.
If you leave before I'm gone, sing to me.
Remember burning words of pride, as I'm drowning in my thought of you tonight.
Inside this heart I hold is the hate I hold for you,
but you'd never see it's dimmed by old flames.
If I had another dollar for every time I thought of you, I'd buy another memory.
But the hate I hold inside burns as bright as mercury.
I wish you were here to know what I say,
to direct to the consequences left to pay.
If you leave before I'm gone, sing to me the siren song.
Take me back to where you are, heal my temporary scars.
Forget the songs for you I’ve sung, forget the smoke that fills your lungs.
If you leave before I'm gone, sing to me.
Remember burning words of pride, as I'm drowning in my thought of you tonight.
Lyrics submitted by Ken Braley
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
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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.
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.
these guys rule. cant wait to see them again on friday :)
this song is so rad, and hey that don't live too far from me!
I saw these guys last night, they are funkin' awsum...!
I saw these guys last night, they are funkin' awsum...!