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 guess it's not fair
For me to not care
But I don't, and that's why
You think I'm a great guy
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
I'll call you, I swear
So, next time be there
Can't keep up, not more
Should quit but, what for?
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
It's not cruel, I do like you
And I want you to feel that I do
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
For me to not care
But I don't, and that's why
You think I'm a great guy
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
I'll call you, I swear
So, next time be there
Can't keep up, not more
Should quit but, what for?
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
It's not cruel, I do like you
And I want you to feel that I do
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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this song isn't really too vague. it's about fuckbuddies. it's not really a very good relationship - he never calls, isn't "something genuine", "should quit but what for?" - but they can't resist each other physically. any guys who think having a fuckbuddy is cool... it doesn't work. trust me.