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.
Every day I wake
Every word I speak
Got you on my mind
I've made love to you
And I may not be
The answer to your prayer
Give me just one night
And I'll take you there
I can read your mind
Honey I ain't blind
You want love so hard
It's no federal crime
[Chorus]
Someone's gotta tell me
That you're mine all mine
Take me to your river honey
Fracture my mind
I'll be bad for you
So very bad for you
I've got my brand on you
I'll be bad for you
When you turn around
I'll be standing there
Anywhere you go
I will follow you
Any place you walk
Any words you talk
I'll be by your side
I won't let you down
[Chorus]
I'll be bad for you
So very bad for you
I put my brand on you
I'll be bad for you
Bad for you
Listen to me
Be bad for me
Every day I wake
Every word I speak
Got you on my mind
I've made love to you
When the night gets hot
You're my only thought
Can't control myself
I'll make love to you
[Chorus]
I'll be bad for you
So very bad for you
Ain't nothin' you can do
I'll be bad for you
Bad for you
Nothing you can do
I'm so bad for you baby
I'll be bad for you baby
Every word I speak
Got you on my mind
I've made love to you
And I may not be
The answer to your prayer
Give me just one night
And I'll take you there
I can read your mind
Honey I ain't blind
You want love so hard
It's no federal crime
[Chorus]
Someone's gotta tell me
That you're mine all mine
Take me to your river honey
Fracture my mind
I'll be bad for you
So very bad for you
I've got my brand on you
I'll be bad for you
When you turn around
I'll be standing there
Anywhere you go
I will follow you
Any place you walk
Any words you talk
I'll be by your side
I won't let you down
[Chorus]
I'll be bad for you
So very bad for you
I put my brand on you
I'll be bad for you
Bad for you
Listen to me
Be bad for me
Every day I wake
Every word I speak
Got you on my mind
I've made love to you
When the night gets hot
You're my only thought
Can't control myself
I'll make love to you
[Chorus]
I'll be bad for you
So very bad for you
Ain't nothin' you can do
I'll be bad for you
Bad for you
Nothing you can do
I'm so bad for you baby
I'll be bad for you baby
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Great version of a great song,
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