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.
Waking up, with sunbeams in my eyes
And the world outside, seems to pass me by
Embrace the land, where the ocean meets the sand
And emotion fades away, until you take my hand
I will be coming with you, tonight
You're all that I want, you're all I have, you're all I need
Oh, oh you will be shining on me
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
You will set me free
Still so young and anxious to be free
But now I'm trapped inside, with all these memories
There's more than this, if you open up your eyes
And then soon you will realize, those days are all gone
I will be coming with you, tonight
You're all that I want, you're all I have, you're all I need
Oh, oh you will be shining on me
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
You will set me free
We need to find a way to live
There's more to take, there's more to give
We try so hard, we try so hard and this time
We're on our way
I will be coming with you, tonight
You're all that I want, you're all I have, you're all I need
Oh, oh you will be shining on me
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
You will set me free
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
Like a midnight sun
Like a midnight sun
Like a midnight sun
And the world outside, seems to pass me by
Embrace the land, where the ocean meets the sand
And emotion fades away, until you take my hand
I will be coming with you, tonight
You're all that I want, you're all I have, you're all I need
Oh, oh you will be shining on me
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
You will set me free
Still so young and anxious to be free
But now I'm trapped inside, with all these memories
There's more than this, if you open up your eyes
And then soon you will realize, those days are all gone
I will be coming with you, tonight
You're all that I want, you're all I have, you're all I need
Oh, oh you will be shining on me
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
You will set me free
We need to find a way to live
There's more to take, there's more to give
We try so hard, we try so hard and this time
We're on our way
I will be coming with you, tonight
You're all that I want, you're all I have, you're all I need
Oh, oh you will be shining on me
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
You will set me free
Like a midnight sun you're the only one who can set me free
Like a midnight sun
Like a midnight sun
Like a midnight sun
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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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"wheree the sun comes up just above the horizon and then sets." Umm no, that's what happens in winter and it's called "polar night" according to Wikipedia at least. The midnight sun is what we have in the summer, it never sets
The midnight sun is something that happens in northern latitudes (aka Sweden where the band is from) wheree the sun comes up just above the horizon and then sets. FYI.
This could be about loving someone who makes them feel happy and free but that someone cannot find happiness and is at the same time a downer, like a midnight sun, it is beautiful and energizing but at the same time, you cannot get any sleep, it also has negative impacts on you.
Why don't you stop lying. You reap what you sow. Mabey if you tried honesty you would get it in return!
Shit, I love this! :)