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.
You hold me inside your iris
Like a terminal stain on life
You condescend to my primal brain
And twist me around like a knife
Can't begin to explain
The feelings I have restrained
Don't ask me how I am
Because you're too busy planning your epitaph
Let me tell you
Don't, try to be the one, person
Who has stayed, just to say
They never left me!
Aggravated, complicated, someone say it
God, I never learn
You keep me hidden behind a curtain,
An audible human display
You feed me orchids to give me courage
And keep me in line with disdain
Can't begin to explain
The feelings I have restrained
Don't ask me how I am
Because you're too busy planning your epitaph
Let me tell you
Don't, try to be the one, person
Who has stayed, just to say
They never left me!
Aggravated, complicated, someone say it
God, I never learn
I have nothing left for you
You left me with nothing
I live at arm's length and die a little,
Between your constants by day
I want my soul back before it's over,
I can't even wish you away
Can't begin to explain
The feelings I have restrained
Don't ask me how I am
Because you're too busy planning your epitaph
Let me tell you
Don't, try to be the one, person
Who has stayed, just to say
They never left me!
Aggravated, complicated, someone say it
God, I never learn
I never learn!
Like a terminal stain on life
You condescend to my primal brain
And twist me around like a knife
Can't begin to explain
The feelings I have restrained
Don't ask me how I am
Because you're too busy planning your epitaph
Let me tell you
Don't, try to be the one, person
Who has stayed, just to say
They never left me!
Aggravated, complicated, someone say it
God, I never learn
You keep me hidden behind a curtain,
An audible human display
You feed me orchids to give me courage
And keep me in line with disdain
Can't begin to explain
The feelings I have restrained
Don't ask me how I am
Because you're too busy planning your epitaph
Let me tell you
Don't, try to be the one, person
Who has stayed, just to say
They never left me!
Aggravated, complicated, someone say it
God, I never learn
I have nothing left for you
You left me with nothing
I live at arm's length and die a little,
Between your constants by day
I want my soul back before it's over,
I can't even wish you away
Can't begin to explain
The feelings I have restrained
Don't ask me how I am
Because you're too busy planning your epitaph
Let me tell you
Don't, try to be the one, person
Who has stayed, just to say
They never left me!
Aggravated, complicated, someone say it
God, I never learn
I never learn!
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it means the the opposite of what all are saying. it is really him doing it to someone else. he never learns, he keeps doing it. he wants to leave them but he doesnt know how... thats just my person opinion. i never actually heard the song yet. i am just viewing lyrics first. corey taylor doesnt always make sense. sorry all you fanatics. i just don t understand ....