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 chose a life of missed callings
And lost hopes of empty trains and railway dreams.
Losing fast and gaining steam.
I was born tonight down highway skies.
When miles race under my head I'll remember what you said.
And I'll stay out till it's done for me.
And my legacy will be one that keeps pushing me away.
So it's back to engines underfoot and miles of great disdain.
They never understand the way I walk.
And it's you that knows it's the way I talk
That keeps me from knowing
When I should see the things you're showing me.
And it's you I want to do this to.
And it's looks like that that'll make me stay with you.
Keep your cool I'll be home soon.
And know that it's you.
Hey Scottie.
Come on.
And lost hopes of empty trains and railway dreams.
Losing fast and gaining steam.
I was born tonight down highway skies.
When miles race under my head I'll remember what you said.
And I'll stay out till it's done for me.
And my legacy will be one that keeps pushing me away.
So it's back to engines underfoot and miles of great disdain.
They never understand the way I walk.
And it's you that knows it's the way I talk
That keeps me from knowing
When I should see the things you're showing me.
And it's you I want to do this to.
And it's looks like that that'll make me stay with you.
Keep your cool I'll be home soon.
And know that it's you.
Hey Scottie.
Come on.
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I chose a life of missed callings And lost hopes Of empty trains Railway dreams Losing fast Gaining steam
I was born tonight down highway skies
When miles race under my head I'll remember what you said And I'll stay out till it's done for me And my legacy will be one that keeps me pushing me away So it's back to engines Underfoot And miles of great disdain
They never understand the way I walk And you know it's the way I talk That keep me from knowing when I should see The things you're showing me And it's you I want to do this to And it's looks like that that'll make me stay with you
Keep your cool I'll be home soon And know that it's you It's you It's you