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 how many cities had been built
On the mainland and the trains there
How they'd glide over the marshes
And the hazy sea
Carrying business men in starched collar shirts
Who peered out windows that would fog
Faster than you could wipe them, man
Why are there mountains
Then the last fire dies
We rebuild with foundations
Set just slightly higher
On compacted ash and bone
Spiralling skyward at the GWB
Will you take the wheel for a while
I'm suddenly real tired
We two running our course
Your summer version
Was so fresh and fertile emerald green
The wind in your hair
Like wind Russian through the canopy
And I was green too with robust fucked envy
And the way suspension bridges shake
When you're stopped behind trucks
Sailing into 1999
On the mainland and the trains there
How they'd glide over the marshes
And the hazy sea
Carrying business men in starched collar shirts
Who peered out windows that would fog
Faster than you could wipe them, man
Why are there mountains
Then the last fire dies
We rebuild with foundations
Set just slightly higher
On compacted ash and bone
Spiralling skyward at the GWB
Will you take the wheel for a while
I'm suddenly real tired
We two running our course
Your summer version
Was so fresh and fertile emerald green
The wind in your hair
Like wind Russian through the canopy
And I was green too with robust fucked envy
And the way suspension bridges shake
When you're stopped behind trucks
Sailing into 1999
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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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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Heard this song for the first time randomly 2 days ago, you know a song is going to be kick ass when after 2 seconds you're hooked. Reminds me of early Modest Mouse, Pavement, and Built To Spill, rolled into a package, pumped with steroids and reckless abandon. Good stuff.
This is such a great song. Epic Ending. Very Built to Spill-ish, but unique too.
This song is great. Hard to find an exact meaning but this is what I got from it. The song is about the history of GWB (George Washington Bridge) It was built in the 50's and has a long history because of it. The bridge is used as a metaphor for a history of human experience crossing it and the feeling of envy to live in the lives and times of other people. Some places you can just feel history call out to you when your there. This is what the GWB is. An emotional attatchment to people and a time you dont know is strange and enveious, but it does happen all the time.( At least to me ) In many times its overwhelming to even think of the length of history in a certain place.
"And the way suspension bridges shake When you're stopped behind trucks Sailing into 1999"
The emotional sting and yet beauty of time. What a great song.
Really love this description. I agree. Unique meaning behind a song.
I believe the lyric is:
Like wind rushin' through the canopy
The nationality doesn't really make mush sense here, does it? Funny though. In any case, this song is incredible. I definitely get the old Modest Mouse vibe, but with more melodic lows to balance the crashing, screaming highs. Can't stop listening!
The lyrics are directly from the band.
Alllsooo, Joseph is a huge Pavement fan and this is a typical Stephen Malkmus thing to do (see: the career/Korea thing from 'Cut Your Hair')
This has to be one of the best tracks of 2009.
As for meaning, it's just detailing a drive through a city? More, the complex thoughts that the journey provokes.
There's definitely more lyrics after "When you're stopped behind trucks". Here's what I hear:
The fireway's a story, stolen (that line's a total guess) It's gonna break, and spill Into the ocean front Sailing into 1999
@themountainman14 see my latest comment!!
I think there's way more to this song than just a drive through the country. I think it sets up the concept for the whole album, this is where it allllll goes down.
i figured out the spoken word part.
"and the way suspension bridges shake when you're stopped behind trucks and i thought it was the stereo** it's gonna break and spill into the ocean fire sailing into 1999"
you're welcome.
**thanks what.cd's The Lounge forum