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 believe, nothing ever comes to light
Chasing shadows in the night
In a starless sky and I wonder why
Oh I believe, we will never find a way
The darkness lights the day
We never question why, still I wonder why?
I close my eyes lost in the memory
Just like a candle in the wind
What could have been, with just one kiss goodbye
You spread your wings to fly
Far away, somehow, someday you will understand
I hope you'll understand, someday
Silent pictures like ghosts in the machine
Haunting my reflection in the frame
Chasing down the hopeful child inside of me
Where'd it all go wrong and who's to blame
Oh, we pass the time away
With empty lives, the laughter dies
Oh! Is the all we have to show?
Is this all they'll ever know? Can they find their way?
What went wrong? Where have all the heroes gone?
Trading futures for a song we gave away
Thinking only of myself, I forged ahead
No regrets, no apologies
Bitter tears reward the life that I have led
A world of lies brings me to my knees
I took the road with every twist and every turn
The words of wisdom is the lesson never learned
Lose your fear and free your soul or
The mysteries of life you'll truly never know
You'll never know!
Is the all we have to show?
Is this all they'll ever know? Can they find their way?
What went wrong? Where have all the heroes gone?
Trading futures for a song we gave away
Just gave it away
I close my eyes, lost in that memory
Like a candle in the wind
What could have been, with just one kiss goodbye
You spread your wings to fly far away
I hope you'll understand one day
We pass the time away
With empty lives, the laughter dies
And the colors fade, fade away
Oh daylight fades away
Oh no no no!
Oh! Is the all we have to show?
Is this all they'll ever know? Can they find their way?
What went wrong? Where have all the heroes gone?
Trading futures for a song we gave away
What went wrong?
Where have all our heroes gone?
Trade our future for a song,
We gave it all away
Chasing shadows in the night
In a starless sky and I wonder why
Oh I believe, we will never find a way
The darkness lights the day
We never question why, still I wonder why?
I close my eyes lost in the memory
Just like a candle in the wind
What could have been, with just one kiss goodbye
You spread your wings to fly
Far away, somehow, someday you will understand
I hope you'll understand, someday
Silent pictures like ghosts in the machine
Haunting my reflection in the frame
Chasing down the hopeful child inside of me
Where'd it all go wrong and who's to blame
Oh, we pass the time away
With empty lives, the laughter dies
Oh! Is the all we have to show?
Is this all they'll ever know? Can they find their way?
What went wrong? Where have all the heroes gone?
Trading futures for a song we gave away
Thinking only of myself, I forged ahead
No regrets, no apologies
Bitter tears reward the life that I have led
A world of lies brings me to my knees
I took the road with every twist and every turn
The words of wisdom is the lesson never learned
Lose your fear and free your soul or
The mysteries of life you'll truly never know
You'll never know!
Is the all we have to show?
Is this all they'll ever know? Can they find their way?
What went wrong? Where have all the heroes gone?
Trading futures for a song we gave away
Just gave it away
I close my eyes, lost in that memory
Like a candle in the wind
What could have been, with just one kiss goodbye
You spread your wings to fly far away
I hope you'll understand one day
We pass the time away
With empty lives, the laughter dies
And the colors fade, fade away
Oh daylight fades away
Oh no no no!
Oh! Is the all we have to show?
Is this all they'll ever know? Can they find their way?
What went wrong? Where have all the heroes gone?
Trading futures for a song we gave away
What went wrong?
Where have all our heroes gone?
Trade our future for a song,
We gave it all away
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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.
Mountain Song
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
When We Were Young
Blink-182
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
This is probably one of the best songs on the album, IMHO.
On another note; am I the only one who thinks that this is a better ending to the album than "Reign In Madness"?
Hmm. I don't know. I love both songs, and both seem to end on that note of despair.<br /> I do find Reign In Madness to be a more fitting end as the last chorus seems to fully complete the circle. I think that Reign and Iconoclast follow the same pattern and theme as far as the concept of the album follows. <br /> I also prefer a more pwoerful/heavier song last but all of these things are just opinions.<br /> I love both songs :D
Same here! I mean, it would have been cool if the album ended off right after where he sings; "hit the lights and start the show..." and then faded out with the keyboard line (in 'Reign In Madness'). I'm just not too big on abrupt endings. The only album that's actually worked on was Protest The Hero's "Fortress". :)<br /> <br /> I mean, I loved this album, but I still think they were missing something... I mean, aside from a few tracks, the album was missing some diversity... even though I realize they were taking this album in a heavier direction than Paradise Lost. Maybe I'm just expecting too much :P I suppose the long wait had me hoping for an album that would top "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy". <br /> <br /> This could have topped it, had they incorporated some of the "classic" Symphony X in a darker/heavier way- which they did (for example) on Iconoclast (the song), and I thought that was brilliant!
I have to stop using "I mean,..." so much. LOL
Haha, yeah I loved The Divine Wings, especially the epic song of the same name. The best concieved ending(for any album ever) for me would be Revalation(Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia) flowing into The Divine Wings Of Tragedy. I wanna see them play that live. I think they've done something similar to that except they didnt play the full divine wings song.<br /> Oh well, I wish they would have repeated that tasty intro keyboard theme on Reign In Madness right at the end. it would have made me even mroe satisfied witht he album :)
My thoughts exactly! I finished listening to the album for a fifth time, and I'd have to agree with you now; Reign In Madness is the better ending. "Revelation" is definitely one of my favourite songs; perfect way to end an album.
Agreed :)<br /> Listening to Reign In Madness atm, god I wish I could have that intro on loop, the keyboard riff is epic, yet so simplistic :P<br /> The lyrics are crazy good too
@jgavinho<br /> <br /> It's funny that you say that. I was just saying the same thing on the way home today listening to it in my car.<br /> <br /> I love the last song too, especially the intro to it, but I felt that the last song should have been second to last, and "When All is Lost" should have definitely been the last song.<br /> <br /> In either case, I remade the cd, putting it last and I like how it turned out :)
This is by far my favorite song of of the album. Its just so epic and beautiful at the same time. Its hard to describe what it's about, not quite sure myself
I too, LOVE this song, it's definetly Symphony X's ballad of the album. I think it's about time passing so quickly and then when your life is over you wonder what people will remember you by.
I think this song is on par with, or just below, Paradise Lost and the Odyssey. The lyrics almost make me cry, no matter how many times I hear it. Russell Allen's voice is ridiculously beautiful, mellodic, and yet metal at the same time.
This is easily one of the best songs Symphony X has ever made. Cheers.
I believe the album this song is from, Iconoclast, is an album about the future of mankind. Probably sooner than later. This song, being the last on the album, is a great closer. This song in particular strikes me a bit about a relationship he was in.. empty lies.. laughter dies.. passing the time away... " what COULD have been w/ just 1 kiss goodbye - spread your wings to fly, etc. This song spoke to me more than like this hardcore love ballad tho.. more about how relationships are becoming as a whole.