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.
No, I don't care
I mean, hey, I got Penny
There comes a time in every girl's life
When she's really got to ask herself, deep down inside
(There comes a time when she's got to ask herself, steady or not? I mean)
Is she ready to be going steady? (Do you really want to be Johnny's steady?)
Don't faint dead away, but I honestly believe that one month should be enough
(Don't faint dead away, but I honestly believe that one month should be just about enough)
Well, first of all, let's say you've dated a boy named Johnny a few times
(Well, first of all, let's say you've dated a boy named Johnny a few times)
And one day, Johnny asked you to be his steady girl
Three important rules for breaking up
Don't put off breaking up when you know you want to
Prolonging the situation only makes it worse
Tell him honestly, simply, kindly, but firmly
Don't make a big production
Don't make up an elaborate story
This will help you avoid a big tear jerking scene
If you want to date other people, say so
Be prepared for the boy to feel hurt and rejected
Even if you've gone together for only a short time
And haven't been too serious
There's still a feeling of rejection
When someone says she prefers the company of others
To your exclusive company
But if you're honest, and direct
And avoid making a flowery emotional speech
When you break the news
The boy will respect you for your frankness
And honestly he'll appreciate the kind and
Straightforward manner in which you told him your decision
Unless he's a real jerk or a crybaby, you'll remain friends
I'm head of the class
I'm popular
I'm a quarterback
I'm popular
My mom says I'm a catch
I'm popular
I'm never last picked
I got a cheerleading chick
Being attractive is the most important thing there is
If you wanna catch the biggest fish in your pond
You have to be as attractive as possible
Make sure to keep your hair spotless and clean
Wash it at least every two weeks
Once every two weeks
And if you see Johnny Football Hero in the hall
Tell him he played a great game
Tell him you liked his article in the newspaper
I'm the party star
I'm popular
I've got my own car
I'm popular
I'll never get caught
I'm popular
I make football bets
I'm the teacher's pet
I propose we support a one month limit on going steady
I think it would keep people more able to deal with weird situations
And get to know more people
I think if you're ready to go out with Johnny
Now's the time to tell him about your one month limit
He won't mind, he'll appreciate your fresh look on dating
And once you've dated someone else, you can date him again
I'm sure he'll like it
Everyone will appreciate it
You're so novel, what a good idea
You can keep your time to yourself
You don't need date insurance
You can go out with whoever you want to
Every boy, every boy in the whole world could be yours
If you'll just listen to my plan
The teenage guide to popularity
I'm head of the class
I'm popular
I'm a quarterback
I'm popular
My mom says I'm a catch
I'm popular
I'm never last picked
I'm a cheerleading chick
I'm the party star
I'm popular
I've got my own car
I'm popular
I'll never get caught
I'm popular
I'm the teacher's pet
I make football bets
I mean, hey, I got Penny
There comes a time in every girl's life
When she's really got to ask herself, deep down inside
(There comes a time when she's got to ask herself, steady or not? I mean)
Is she ready to be going steady? (Do you really want to be Johnny's steady?)
Don't faint dead away, but I honestly believe that one month should be enough
(Don't faint dead away, but I honestly believe that one month should be just about enough)
Well, first of all, let's say you've dated a boy named Johnny a few times
(Well, first of all, let's say you've dated a boy named Johnny a few times)
And one day, Johnny asked you to be his steady girl
Three important rules for breaking up
Don't put off breaking up when you know you want to
Prolonging the situation only makes it worse
Tell him honestly, simply, kindly, but firmly
Don't make a big production
Don't make up an elaborate story
This will help you avoid a big tear jerking scene
If you want to date other people, say so
Be prepared for the boy to feel hurt and rejected
Even if you've gone together for only a short time
And haven't been too serious
There's still a feeling of rejection
When someone says she prefers the company of others
To your exclusive company
But if you're honest, and direct
And avoid making a flowery emotional speech
When you break the news
The boy will respect you for your frankness
And honestly he'll appreciate the kind and
Straightforward manner in which you told him your decision
Unless he's a real jerk or a crybaby, you'll remain friends
I'm head of the class
I'm popular
I'm a quarterback
I'm popular
My mom says I'm a catch
I'm popular
I'm never last picked
I got a cheerleading chick
Being attractive is the most important thing there is
If you wanna catch the biggest fish in your pond
You have to be as attractive as possible
Make sure to keep your hair spotless and clean
Wash it at least every two weeks
Once every two weeks
And if you see Johnny Football Hero in the hall
Tell him he played a great game
Tell him you liked his article in the newspaper
I'm the party star
I'm popular
I've got my own car
I'm popular
I'll never get caught
I'm popular
I make football bets
I'm the teacher's pet
I propose we support a one month limit on going steady
I think it would keep people more able to deal with weird situations
And get to know more people
I think if you're ready to go out with Johnny
Now's the time to tell him about your one month limit
He won't mind, he'll appreciate your fresh look on dating
And once you've dated someone else, you can date him again
I'm sure he'll like it
Everyone will appreciate it
You're so novel, what a good idea
You can keep your time to yourself
You don't need date insurance
You can go out with whoever you want to
Every boy, every boy in the whole world could be yours
If you'll just listen to my plan
The teenage guide to popularity
I'm head of the class
I'm popular
I'm a quarterback
I'm popular
My mom says I'm a catch
I'm popular
I'm never last picked
I'm a cheerleading chick
I'm the party star
I'm popular
I've got my own car
I'm popular
I'll never get caught
I'm popular
I'm the teacher's pet
I make football bets
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This song is not about "hating" the "popular" people..it's making fun of teenage dating in general. It's almost sympathizing with teenagers situations. We're all stuck in this micro-society with an endless unwritten code about dating and how to dress and act and talk and think. This song is simply exploring the idea of us being honest about the code and akknowledging it's there while we follow it so religiously. That's why nada surf uses a teacher to explain dating to a bunch of naive teenage girls. They use the teacher to show what it would be like if these rules really were said and if we acted like they really had to be followed. And basically the same thing happens. We breed a bunch of whores who can't help being a whore, because that's what the code tells them to do and some people are simply too naive to recognize the irony in things. So if anything nada surf doesn't want you to hate the "popular" people, they dont want you to like them either, they're just trying to show their views of high school and teen dating.