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.
[Chorus]
Trade in my life
Oh for you, oh yes, oh yes
Trade in my life for you
Sittin' here wonderin' how did things go wrong
Every night asking myself what happened to our happy home
Will I ever see you again, I need to know my friend
Now the past has gone away but tomorrow's on it's way
Though the sun is going down, I need you around
I'm willing to trade in my life
[Chorus]
Now I'm sitting here
Reminiscing on what we used to share
And how we used to be such a happy pair, oh yeah
I cannot believe we've thrown it all away
Tell me will I see you again someday?
Now the past is gone away
But tomorrow's on it's way
Though the sun is going down
And I need you around - trade
[Chorus]
We both know that we made a vow
Said we'd always be together
That our love would endure, yes
But now you're gone and I'm all alone
But I need you here and I'm willing to trade it
[Chorus]
I mean it from the bottom of my heart
Tell me are you with me, are you willing to trade it
And I don't even have to think about it twice
Hey, I'll trade it
Somebody help me say I'll trade it
Until you return to me
I'm gonna stay on my hands and knees
And when I see you I'm gonna stand up
And reach my hands out to you, and trade it
Said I love my music and I love my fans
But I've got to step back
Look at this thing like it sure enough is
Tell me do you remember when we used to say
Everything is in their love tell me
What does it profit a man
To gain the world and lose his soul?
I'm gonna trade it to be with you
Trade in my life
Oh for you, oh yes, oh yes
Trade in my life for you
Sittin' here wonderin' how did things go wrong
Every night asking myself what happened to our happy home
Will I ever see you again, I need to know my friend
Now the past has gone away but tomorrow's on it's way
Though the sun is going down, I need you around
I'm willing to trade in my life
[Chorus]
Now I'm sitting here
Reminiscing on what we used to share
And how we used to be such a happy pair, oh yeah
I cannot believe we've thrown it all away
Tell me will I see you again someday?
Now the past is gone away
But tomorrow's on it's way
Though the sun is going down
And I need you around - trade
[Chorus]
We both know that we made a vow
Said we'd always be together
That our love would endure, yes
But now you're gone and I'm all alone
But I need you here and I'm willing to trade it
[Chorus]
I mean it from the bottom of my heart
Tell me are you with me, are you willing to trade it
And I don't even have to think about it twice
Hey, I'll trade it
Somebody help me say I'll trade it
Until you return to me
I'm gonna stay on my hands and knees
And when I see you I'm gonna stand up
And reach my hands out to you, and trade it
Said I love my music and I love my fans
But I've got to step back
Look at this thing like it sure enough is
Tell me do you remember when we used to say
Everything is in their love tell me
What does it profit a man
To gain the world and lose his soul?
I'm gonna trade it to be with you
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