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.
You can hear it in the street, see it in the dragging feet
The word is gettin' out about control
Spies they've come and gone, the story travels on
The only quiet place is inside your soul
From tree to tree, from you to me
Travelin' twice as fast as on any freeway
Every single dream, wrapped up in the scheme
They all get carried on the relay
Relay, things are brewin'
Relay, something's doin'
Relay, there's a revolution
Relay, relay
(Hand me down a solution, yeah)
Pass it on, come on, a relay
Someone disapproves, what you say and do
I was asked to see what I could really learn you
Don't believe your eyes, they're tellin' only lies
What is done in the first place don't concern you
From tree to tree, from you to me
Travelin' twice as fast as on any freeway
Every single dream wrapped up in the scheme
They all get carried on the relay
Relay, things are brewin'
Relay, something's doin'
Relay, there's a revolution
Relay, relay
(Hand me down a solution, yeah)
Pass it on, pass it on, pass it on, hey you, pass it on
We're on the relay, get a movin'
Get on a movin' on
The relay, the relay
The relay, the relay
The word is gettin' out about control
Spies they've come and gone, the story travels on
The only quiet place is inside your soul
From tree to tree, from you to me
Travelin' twice as fast as on any freeway
Every single dream, wrapped up in the scheme
They all get carried on the relay
Relay, things are brewin'
Relay, something's doin'
Relay, there's a revolution
Relay, relay
(Hand me down a solution, yeah)
Pass it on, come on, a relay
Someone disapproves, what you say and do
I was asked to see what I could really learn you
Don't believe your eyes, they're tellin' only lies
What is done in the first place don't concern you
From tree to tree, from you to me
Travelin' twice as fast as on any freeway
Every single dream wrapped up in the scheme
They all get carried on the relay
Relay, things are brewin'
Relay, something's doin'
Relay, there's a revolution
Relay, relay
(Hand me down a solution, yeah)
Pass it on, pass it on, pass it on, hey you, pass it on
We're on the relay, get a movin'
Get on a movin' on
The relay, the relay
The relay, the relay
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
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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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.
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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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.
Nobody comments on this? You people don't know what you're missing. This song has an incredable rythm as most Who songs do and it's very innovative. Don't know the meaning but i'd love it if somebody told me.
I think this song was originally part of the Lifehouse project...it was going to have a double album (Like Tommy) along with what could best be described as a "multi-media" presentation...anyway, the Lifehouse was about a future where everyone wears "experience suits" and lives life in Virtual reality, at some point someone wakes up and realizes that music can set people free to live in reality again...through the "Grid" that everyone is plugged into, a secret rock concert is performed, with the population of the world participating. at the height of this concert, a universal single note is played, unifying everyone and waking them into reality.
Relay may have been a song that signified word getting out around the Grid about the coming Concert.
I don't know why the put it on the who's greatest hits, i've only seen it on that album and nowhere else. The should have out in Odds & Sods or even better, Who's Next
"Every single dream / Wrapped up in the scheme" I love that line. It kinda gives reasurance, you know? That no matter how alone anyone feels, that there will always be the unifying bond of music, where all dreams and ideas come together. definitely an amazing song!
at Glastonbury '07 Pete Townsend said he wrote it about the internet back in 1971. pretty much supporting and simplifying what regb has already said
I think this song has to do with the metaphysical connections we all have with each other. Sending and receiving shared psychic energies/knowledge/love and thoughts that resonate between us and with others around us.
This song opened my inner eye. Once "it" happens to a person, the purpose of life becomes clear to you. Things in life happen for reasons. Search the internet for "inner eye" and read about it. There are more songs than you can imagine that discuss this most wonderful of gifts from God. The reason many people don't understand the words, is because you have not been able to open your inner eye as of yet. The analogy is; that it is like listening to somebody speak a forien language. You can't understand the language until you learn it. Once it happens, EVERYTHING becomes crystal clear. Honest.
This was the first song probably ever where I figured out the entire meaning myself, and where everything made sense.
After listening to it a few times, I instanly thought, "hey, this is the Internet!"
Also, one thing.
The internet didn't exist in '71, so Pete was talking out of his ass...
But yeah, this song really does sound like the net!
yes it did...<br /> <br /> inthistory4u.blogspot.com/2010/08/1971.html