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.
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
'Cause you don't love me anymore
Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake up in the morning and I wonder
Why everything's the same as it was
I can't understand, no, I can't understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye
Why does my heart go on beating? (Mmhmm)
Why do these eyes of mine cry? (Mmhmm)
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
'Cause you don't love me anymore
Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake up in the morning and I wonder
Why everything's the same as it was
I can't understand, no, I can't understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye
Why does my heart go on beating? (Mmhmm)
Why do these eyes of mine cry? (Mmhmm)
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye
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I just downloaded this. I've been in love with this song since I saw the movie. Love the movie too, I just wish it wasnt't so... hollywood.
And how on earth could this be about the singers dad, cause it says "Don't they know, it's the end of the world, Cause you don't love me anymore." It doesn't make any sense. Sounds more like a broken heart to me. Very very beautiful, melancholy song. love it so much.