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.
It's been a long, dark, lonely hall
Between the cracks, I can read the scrawl
It's written down in a crooked rhyme
You sold me out before my time, you know
But since then I been back down to the end
I can't believe the things you never said
I can't explain the words I never found
My whole world should come crashing down, you know
But you can't sell me out with everything you think about
I think back now I draw a blank, you know but
There ain't no need to dig the past, you know but
I don't want to live my life in a day
I ain't got no need for this plastic cage
'cause you don't think about anything I think about
[Chorus]
You know what I mean [Repeat: x4]
But now you know for sure you're alive
Because you, you watched me leave before your eyes, you know I
I'm afraid to say your name, but I
I ain't afraid to share this blame because
You can't sell me out with everything you think about
[Chorus]
It's been a long, dark, lonely hall
Between the cracks, I can read the scrawl
Find a place that feels like home, you know
And get some clue to where I'm going, you know but
You don't think about anything I think about
[Chorus: x2]
Between the cracks, I can read the scrawl
It's written down in a crooked rhyme
You sold me out before my time, you know
But since then I been back down to the end
I can't believe the things you never said
I can't explain the words I never found
My whole world should come crashing down, you know
But you can't sell me out with everything you think about
I think back now I draw a blank, you know but
There ain't no need to dig the past, you know but
I don't want to live my life in a day
I ain't got no need for this plastic cage
'cause you don't think about anything I think about
[Chorus]
You know what I mean [Repeat: x4]
But now you know for sure you're alive
Because you, you watched me leave before your eyes, you know I
I'm afraid to say your name, but I
I ain't afraid to share this blame because
You can't sell me out with everything you think about
[Chorus]
It's been a long, dark, lonely hall
Between the cracks, I can read the scrawl
Find a place that feels like home, you know
And get some clue to where I'm going, you know but
You don't think about anything I think about
[Chorus: x2]
Lyrics submitted by clumsiest1
You Know What I Mean Lyrics as written by John T Rzeznik George Tutuska
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Great version of a great song,
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i love this song.. on my top ten goo songs list for sure... its an oldie but a goodie! go goo!
hehehe whenever me or my girlfriend say "you know what I mean" we both start singing this song lol
but GREAT song.As silver said,one of their top 10.Listen to it if you haven't!!
I LOVE this song. Definately one of my favourites.
this song is ne of their best indeed:) i have loved them since i was 7 i am now 17 :) now that must mean they are the best :) i admire johnny's lyrics absolute perfection :)