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 know you're in the sun
I know you're close to everyone
At times it's like you don't have a hold on me
I see you in the love
I see you in the moon above
But I want to know that you're not lost inside of me
You know I need you
You know I love you
If I'm not with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm like a fish on the sand
You call me in the night (You call me in the night)
And hide behind the daylight
You're blowing like a wind, you don't let me see
You know I feel a pain (You know I feel a pain)
I'm tired of playing games with you
Though there's nothing else I want that would set me free
You know I love you
You know I need you
If I can't be with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm a fish on the sand
No use to no one else, they've all dried up
Watching all our lives go by
I can't believe you'd want to see me crying
I hold you in my heart (Hold you in my heart)
I know that you're a part of me
But it's a must to know that you love me too
I look you in the eye (Look you in the eye)
You're swimming by my teardrops
But I want to know for sure that you'll let me see
You know I want you
You know I need you
If I'm not with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm like a fish on the sand
You know I need you
You know I love you
If I'm not with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm a fish on the sand
Not so much of a man
More a fish on the sand
I know you're close to everyone
At times it's like you don't have a hold on me
I see you in the love
I see you in the moon above
But I want to know that you're not lost inside of me
You know I need you
You know I love you
If I'm not with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm like a fish on the sand
You call me in the night (You call me in the night)
And hide behind the daylight
You're blowing like a wind, you don't let me see
You know I feel a pain (You know I feel a pain)
I'm tired of playing games with you
Though there's nothing else I want that would set me free
You know I love you
You know I need you
If I can't be with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm a fish on the sand
No use to no one else, they've all dried up
Watching all our lives go by
I can't believe you'd want to see me crying
I hold you in my heart (Hold you in my heart)
I know that you're a part of me
But it's a must to know that you love me too
I look you in the eye (Look you in the eye)
You're swimming by my teardrops
But I want to know for sure that you'll let me see
You know I want you
You know I need you
If I'm not with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm like a fish on the sand
You know I need you
You know I love you
If I'm not with you
I'm not so much of a man
I'm a fish on the sand
Not so much of a man
More a fish on the sand
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Amazing song. Might be the greatest song ever. I know to say that is completely opinionated; but that may be what is so appealing about this song to me - I think it is a universal concept.
An absolutely brilliant song. Nobody writes a song like George. God I miss him!!