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.
At a crossroads in London as the winter winds whipped through my hair
I noticed everyone stared at the ground and passed by like I wasn't there
I watched lonely people keep all to themselves full of fear in the worlds they had made
I swore then that I'd make a difference I promised that I'd make a change
Is that how it is?
Is that how it is, baby, with you?
Is that how you want it to be?
'Cause that's how it is with me
As I walked past a churchyard an old man on his knees in the street
Said, "Son, do you think you could help me? 'Cause I'm cold and I'd like something to eat."
But I could tell by the look in his eyes that he also needed a friend
So I smiled and I sat down beside him and he wept as I held his hand
Is that how it is?
Is that how it is, baby, with you?
Is that how you want it to be?
'Cause that's how it is with me
In the dark of night when you're feeling that there's no hope in sight
Do you dream of the world that we could make if we'd all just give instead of take?
We can open our hearts for our children's' sake
We can turn things around before it's too late
Baby, that's how it is with me
Do you wish to see the day when our love will set us free and together we all can live in peace?
Do you keep your faith when others just shake their heads and say that people will always stay the same?
Does your heart begin to break when you think of the world that we could make if we'd all just give instead of take?
In the dark of night when you're feeling that there's no hope in sight do you dream someday soon we'll see the light?
I noticed everyone stared at the ground and passed by like I wasn't there
I watched lonely people keep all to themselves full of fear in the worlds they had made
I swore then that I'd make a difference I promised that I'd make a change
Is that how it is?
Is that how it is, baby, with you?
Is that how you want it to be?
'Cause that's how it is with me
As I walked past a churchyard an old man on his knees in the street
Said, "Son, do you think you could help me? 'Cause I'm cold and I'd like something to eat."
But I could tell by the look in his eyes that he also needed a friend
So I smiled and I sat down beside him and he wept as I held his hand
Is that how it is?
Is that how it is, baby, with you?
Is that how you want it to be?
'Cause that's how it is with me
In the dark of night when you're feeling that there's no hope in sight
Do you dream of the world that we could make if we'd all just give instead of take?
We can open our hearts for our children's' sake
We can turn things around before it's too late
Baby, that's how it is with me
Do you wish to see the day when our love will set us free and together we all can live in peace?
Do you keep your faith when others just shake their heads and say that people will always stay the same?
Does your heart begin to break when you think of the world that we could make if we'd all just give instead of take?
In the dark of night when you're feeling that there's no hope in sight do you dream someday soon we'll see the light?
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