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.
Do you know what you're fighting for? Have you the burn of the aching for something different, something spiritually? Understood in every way. Hard face, no shine, hard heart with a narrow mind. Blank and shallow, lacking color, lacking faith that there is another way to live, way to breathe, way to walk, a way to see. Not in alliance, but in defiance of the hatred we're taught to breed. I see a clear line drawn, a generation that's gone wrong. Have you found what you're looking for? Have you the burn or the lack there of, for something different, something you're meant to be? Do you know what you're looking for? I see a clear line drawn, a generation all gone wrong. I see a back that's turned to what we're searching for. What you're taught and what we're beckoned to is not absolute, so why follow what we don't know? You are your own, weighted and balancing, judgement of truth when the ego is let go.
Lyrics submitted by XkannenX
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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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i can't believe there is no comments to this song
it's perfect for our generation, genious writing
Ikz, not quite so genius spelling there though...
Great song, brilliant lyrics