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 see your shadow on the street now
I hear you push through the rusty gate
Click of your heels on the concrete
Waiting for a knock coming way too late
It seems an age since I've seen you
Countdown as the weeks trickle into days
So you come in and put your bags down
I know there's something in the air
How can I do this to you right now
If you're over there when I need you here
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
It seems an age since I've seen you
Countdown as the weeks trickle into days
I hope that time hasn't changed you
All I really want is for you to stay
So you come in and put your bags down
I know there's something in the air
How can I do this to you right now
If you're over there when I need you here
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
I know I know I know what is inside
I know I know I know what is inside
I know I know I know what is inside
I know I know I know what is inside
You're over there when I need you here
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
I hear you push through the rusty gate
Click of your heels on the concrete
Waiting for a knock coming way too late
It seems an age since I've seen you
Countdown as the weeks trickle into days
So you come in and put your bags down
I know there's something in the air
How can I do this to you right now
If you're over there when I need you here
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
It seems an age since I've seen you
Countdown as the weeks trickle into days
I hope that time hasn't changed you
All I really want is for you to stay
So you come in and put your bags down
I know there's something in the air
How can I do this to you right now
If you're over there when I need you here
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
I know I know I know what is inside
I know I know I know what is inside
I know I know I know what is inside
I know I know I know what is inside
You're over there when I need you here
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
My happiness is slowly creeping back
Now you're at home
If it ever starts sinking in
It must be when you pack up and go
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I heard an interview with Bernard about this song he said it was about touring and going overseas to record funny thing is though he said he has heaps of people tell him they use this song as a wedding song he said that was pretty funny considering this song is about being apart not being together