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've got a smile
That I put on
When I'm not at home
When I'm not alone
But it is so hard
To make that smile
'Cause I know I'll be at home
And alone in a while
And if I look in a mirror
I see my eyes start to tear
I can't help but cry
Since you said goodbye
I've got to hide
Whhat I'm feelin' inside
Can't let them see
How you're hurtin' me
So I guess that's what I'll do
Won't let them see through
Won't let them know
That you could hurt me so
I've got a laugh
That I put on
When I'm not at home
When I'm not alone
But it is so hard
To fake that laugh
When my insides are cryin'
And my heart's torn in half
And all the music I hear
And things I valued so dear
Make me feel so blue
They all remind me of you
(Now) What can I do
(Now) That our love is through
And my purpose is gone
Still I got to live on
I guess that's what I'll do
I won't let them see through
I won't let them know
That you could hurt me so
That I put on
When I'm not at home
When I'm not alone
But it is so hard
To make that smile
'Cause I know I'll be at home
And alone in a while
And if I look in a mirror
I see my eyes start to tear
I can't help but cry
Since you said goodbye
I've got to hide
Whhat I'm feelin' inside
Can't let them see
How you're hurtin' me
So I guess that's what I'll do
Won't let them see through
Won't let them know
That you could hurt me so
I've got a laugh
That I put on
When I'm not at home
When I'm not alone
But it is so hard
To fake that laugh
When my insides are cryin'
And my heart's torn in half
And all the music I hear
And things I valued so dear
Make me feel so blue
They all remind me of you
(Now) What can I do
(Now) That our love is through
And my purpose is gone
Still I got to live on
I guess that's what I'll do
I won't let them see through
I won't let them know
That you could hurt me so
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae
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