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 dropped my anchor in the dead of night
I packed my suitcase and threw it away
I fell asleep in the funeral fire
I gave my clothes to the police man
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Shooting venom at the passers-by
I'm hi-jacking stop the heaven down
I put my eyes in a paper bag
I'm spinning round like a gambling wheel
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
I dropped my anchor in the dead of night
I packed my suitcase and threw it away
I fell asleep in the funeral fire
I gave my clothes to the police man
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
I packed my suitcase and threw it away
I fell asleep in the funeral fire
I gave my clothes to the police man
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Shooting venom at the passers-by
I'm hi-jacking stop the heaven down
I put my eyes in a paper bag
I'm spinning round like a gambling wheel
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
I dropped my anchor in the dead of night
I packed my suitcase and threw it away
I fell asleep in the funeral fire
I gave my clothes to the police man
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the foul of the air
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i'm surprised beck doesn't have more comments. his music is more poetry than song, it's fun to decipher. though obviously open to more interpretation, i think 'derelict' is mocking society for ignoring their moral obligations and for being ignorant to the problems that face them ("..put my eyes in a paper bag") and feel that they're more comfortable staying grounded rather than taking action ("dropped my anchor...unpacked my suitcase and threw it away..."), while cursing those who DO take action/can't live sitting down ("..shooting venom at the passers-by").
I think it's about hobos, vagrants, bums, what have you.
I thnk it's a really cool story about hobo bum living but moreso the interesting things about it. Badass music, makes me think it's Beatles inspired.
I think it would be better if it said: "Blow back derelict wind, lay my soul in the Foutain of Eden"
Thats what I thought it said...
very sad sounding song. that said, still one of my favorites. sounds like he's sick of the rampant neglect he sees all around him, finally ready to throw it all away.very focused on humanity's negativity. sad and hypnotic. i could and have listened to this song all night.
I had...always thought that this was about what the soldiers experienced when they get back( dropped my anchor in the dead of night) and don't get any of the money promised to them after service because of government issues(unpacked my suitcase and threw it away, I gave my clothes to the police man) and become hobos on the street who depend on drinking (I put my eyes in a paper bag)and gambling (Spinnin' round like a gambling wheel)
Awesome drum beat, tho. FTW Schroder
When I first heard this song on the CD before I looked at the title, I thought he was saying Dalek like on doctor who... lol weird. This is interesting, I like the instruments. I always thought this was song was about not caring anymore, he's giving/throwing away/losing things and also the whole feel of the song gives me that idea. I was thinking apathy/tiredness. But I like the hobo interpretation more.
"Gave my clothes to the policeman..."
Could that mean that the derelict got arrested? It's never happened to me but when you go to jail you have to wear what they want you to wear, right?
The album this song is on, Odelay, was produced by The Dust Brothers who had also produced the Beastie Boys' 2nd album, Paul's Boutique.
I thought it was about crystal meth.