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.
Somebody pick up my pieces
I'm scattered everywhere
And put me back together
Put me way over there
Take me out of contention
I surrender my crown
Somebody pick up my pieces
It's just me comin' down
Well, I sure thought I had her
Lord, I know she had me
But what I thought was heaven
Is just falling debris
Well, I may not be crazy
But I got one hell of a start
Somebody pick up my pieces
I think I'm fallin' apart
And don't follow my footsteps
Step over my trail
The road is too narrow
And your footing could fail
And the fall to the bottom
Could tear you apart
And they'll be pickin' up pieces
Of you and your heart
And don't follow my footsteps
Step over my trail
The road is too narrow
And your footing could fail
And the fall to the bottom
Could tear you apart
And they'll be pickin' up pieces
Of you and your heart
And they'll be pickin' up pieces
Of you and your heart
I'm scattered everywhere
And put me back together
Put me way over there
Take me out of contention
I surrender my crown
Somebody pick up my pieces
It's just me comin' down
Well, I sure thought I had her
Lord, I know she had me
But what I thought was heaven
Is just falling debris
Well, I may not be crazy
But I got one hell of a start
Somebody pick up my pieces
I think I'm fallin' apart
And don't follow my footsteps
Step over my trail
The road is too narrow
And your footing could fail
And the fall to the bottom
Could tear you apart
And they'll be pickin' up pieces
Of you and your heart
And don't follow my footsteps
Step over my trail
The road is too narrow
And your footing could fail
And the fall to the bottom
Could tear you apart
And they'll be pickin' up pieces
Of you and your heart
And they'll be pickin' up pieces
Of you and your heart
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.