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've seen it all
I have seen the trees
I have seen the willow leaves
Dancing in the breeze
I've seen a man killed
By his best friend,
And lives that were over
Before they were spent.
I've seen what I was
And I know what I'll be
I've seen it all
There is no more to see
You haven't seen elephants
Kings or Peru
I'm happy to say
I had better to do
What about China?
Have you seen the Great Wall?
All walls are great
If the roof doesn't fall
And the man you will marry
The home you will share
To be honest
I really don't care
[gibberish]
You've never been
To Niagara Falls
I have seen water
It's water, that's all
The Eiffel Tower
The Empire State
My pulse was as high
On my very first date
And your grandson's hand
As he plays with your hair
To be honest
I really don't care
[gibberish]
I've seen it all
I've seen the dark
I've seen the brightness
In one little spark
I've seen what I chose
And I've seen what I need
And that is enough
To want more would be greed
I've seen what I was
And I know what I'll be
I've seen it all
There is no more to see
You've seen it all
And all you have seen
You can always review on
Your own little screen
The light and the dark
The big and the small
Just keep in mind
You need no more at all
You've seen what you were
And know what you'll be
You've seen it all
There is no more to see
[gibberish]
I have seen the trees
I have seen the willow leaves
Dancing in the breeze
I've seen a man killed
By his best friend,
And lives that were over
Before they were spent.
I've seen what I was
And I know what I'll be
I've seen it all
There is no more to see
You haven't seen elephants
Kings or Peru
I'm happy to say
I had better to do
What about China?
Have you seen the Great Wall?
All walls are great
If the roof doesn't fall
And the man you will marry
The home you will share
To be honest
I really don't care
[gibberish]
You've never been
To Niagara Falls
I have seen water
It's water, that's all
The Eiffel Tower
The Empire State
My pulse was as high
On my very first date
And your grandson's hand
As he plays with your hair
To be honest
I really don't care
[gibberish]
I've seen it all
I've seen the dark
I've seen the brightness
In one little spark
I've seen what I chose
And I've seen what I need
And that is enough
To want more would be greed
I've seen what I was
And I know what I'll be
I've seen it all
There is no more to see
You've seen it all
And all you have seen
You can always review on
Your own little screen
The light and the dark
The big and the small
Just keep in mind
You need no more at all
You've seen what you were
And know what you'll be
You've seen it all
There is no more to see
[gibberish]
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Honestly, while I understand how this song is depressing, I actually look at it as kind of optimistic and inspiring. Like as in, you can settle down, your life is enough and places are just places. Be happy where you are, because no where is as extraordinary as it sounds. It's all relative.
Another one of the most depressing songs ever.I listened to this song for the 1st time when i saw the movie Dancer In The Dark which was more than great.This song reflects the state of Bjork's character in movie of not being able to see,how she's suffering because of that but at the same time not caring about all of this and being satisfied with the state she's in.I believe that is Bjork's finest work to date.The lyrics also refelcts the ugliness of the world.Well i just can't say anything more about this song except that whenever i hear it i can't stop myslef from crying.The whole thing is just breathtaking.
Wow I didn't even realise Bjork's character was meant to be blind. Well I've never seen the movie, but now the song makes so much more sense. Nevertheless I love this song heaps. It's definitely one of Bjork's best. I meant the tune is so simple by itself, but the underlying harmony is rather strange, almost like it's trying to reconcile with the tune or something. Actually I first heard this song from the Academy Award ceremony, then I bought the soundtrack shortly afterward, though I'd like to watch the movie some day.
I watched the movie this afternoon for the first time and i am happy to say its one of the best movies that ive seen in a long time.... at parts i just didnt stop crying... but i love this song and the one that she does with Thom from Radiohead just takes my breath away... i love both of them and i was so happy they did i song together!
I must say they couldn't have gotten anyone better then Thom to sing a song like this... He's she shit cause Radiohead is the best band... and Bjork sounds so powerful in this song! you go guys!
I love how she's talking about something as important and powerful as sight as if it's something she won't even miss. It's a mother's love for her son. She would lose her sight so that he could see it all. I agree with Joekubrick, you can't help but cry at this one.
It's this song... Well obviously she has inspired Radiohead's Kid A/Amnesiac sounds. :)
When I saw Dancer In The Dark, this song just stuck with me. I love how bjork's character in that movie is free and actually living when shes singing and she's in her own mind. The director used a very digital raw look for the movie until he got to this part and he used a clear look and i thought it was genius. Bjork displays such emotion with her voice. She soars with her voice. And this song is beautiful, even if you haven't seen the movie. And I think what this song is saying is, don't be caught up with the physical. WIth having to SEE things. It's about being content with who you are, and who you're not.
"all walls are great if the roof doesn't fall."
how to see the extra in the everyday ordinary.
This song...I don't know how to explain it. This was the first song I heard by Bjork, and well...now I can't get enough of her.
"You've never been to Niagara Falls ? I have seen water, its water, that's all..."
I love that line. This song to me (although, no doubt is depressing)...I also find it inspiring. Like, she is looking at it in the most positive way she can.