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.
Fifty thousand men were sent to do the will of one
His claim was phrased quite simply
Though He never voiced it loud
I am He, the chosen one
In His name they could slaughter
For His name they could die
Though many there were believed in Him
Still more were sure He lied
But they'll fight the battle on
Then one whose faith had died
Fled back up the mountainside
But before the top was made
A misplaced footfall made Him stray
From the path prepared for Him
Off of the mountain on to a wilderness of ice
This unexpected vision
Made them stand and shake with fear
But nothing was His fright compared
With those who saw him appear
Terror filled their minds with awe
Simple were the folk who lived
Upon this frozen wave
So not surprising was their thought
This is He, Gods chosen one
Who's come to save us from
All our oppressors
We shall be kings on this world
"Follow me
I'll play the game you want me
Until I find a way back home"
"Follow me
I give you strength inside you
Courage to win your battles"
No, no, no, this can't go on
This will be all that I fled from
Let me rest for a while
He walked into a valley
All alone
There He talked with water
And then with the vine
They leave me no choice
I must lead them to glory
Or most likely to death
They traveled cross the plateau
Of ice up to its edge
Then they crossed a mountain range
And saw the final plain
Still He urged the people on
Then, on a distant slope
He observed one without hope
Flee back up the mountainside
He thought He recognized Him by His walk
And by the way He fell
And by the way He stood up
And vanished into air
His claim was phrased quite simply
Though He never voiced it loud
I am He, the chosen one
In His name they could slaughter
For His name they could die
Though many there were believed in Him
Still more were sure He lied
But they'll fight the battle on
Then one whose faith had died
Fled back up the mountainside
But before the top was made
A misplaced footfall made Him stray
From the path prepared for Him
Off of the mountain on to a wilderness of ice
This unexpected vision
Made them stand and shake with fear
But nothing was His fright compared
With those who saw him appear
Terror filled their minds with awe
Simple were the folk who lived
Upon this frozen wave
So not surprising was their thought
This is He, Gods chosen one
Who's come to save us from
All our oppressors
We shall be kings on this world
"Follow me
I'll play the game you want me
Until I find a way back home"
"Follow me
I give you strength inside you
Courage to win your battles"
No, no, no, this can't go on
This will be all that I fled from
Let me rest for a while
He walked into a valley
All alone
There He talked with water
And then with the vine
They leave me no choice
I must lead them to glory
Or most likely to death
They traveled cross the plateau
Of ice up to its edge
Then they crossed a mountain range
And saw the final plain
Still He urged the people on
Then, on a distant slope
He observed one without hope
Flee back up the mountainside
He thought He recognized Him by His walk
And by the way He fell
And by the way He stood up
And vanished into air
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae, edited by musictomyear
One For The Vine Lyrics as written by Anthony George Banks
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
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.
amazing song. why hasnt anyone spoken about it!? its highly profound and clever in its story telling. the jist of it is that one man is commanding many men to fight for a cause that nobody is really sure of. his self belief tho' is enough that the people will fight his cause. all but one who flees from it as his hope is lost. he falls into a parallel world only into a different role. suddenly people want to place thei misguided faith in him to battle for their freedom taking his arrival from nowhere as 'a sign'. well altho' dubious he feels that he should fight their cause and therefore leads them into battle only to see himself losing hope and fleeing from the battle behind him! the story is an eternal loop. its brilliant andgives u a lot to think about. theres a void of difference between havin the belief of people restin on ur shoulders and having to believe someone against your better judgement but it also shows just how easily these roles can be reversed and the outcomes of such a turnaround. brilliant.