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.
Rage burns can't push it aside now
Can't forgive this grudge is alive now
All the rage eats you up inside
Can you leave it behind
What a surprise --
You're fucked with again Yeah
It's a way of life you need to get over
All the rage just eats you alive
Can you leave it behind
I don't know where it'll end
The sun has set
And I can't be friends
I don't know if I can forgive
The day is long
But you were so dead wrong
Can't forgive this grudge is alive now
All the rage eats you up inside
Can you leave it behind
What a surprise --
You're fucked with again Yeah
It's a way of life you need to get over
All the rage just eats you alive
Can you leave it behind
I don't know where it'll end
The sun has set
And I can't be friends
I don't know if I can forgive
The day is long
But you were so dead wrong
Lyrics submitted by NothingMan
Leave It Behind Lyrics as written by Bryan Holland
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think it's more than hating someone for a stupid reason. The song seems pretty definitive that the other person is "so dead wrong" and there isn't a part of the song where a sentiment of repetence is suggested. I think it's more of a testament of his inability to be friends with the other person and perhaps the continual "leave it behind" displays his desire to forgive/forget yet ultimately "you were so dead wrong." So it goes, I suppose. Sometimes people are so different, however idealistic I tend to be, it's reality and in reality a friendship isn't possible. So... Leave it Behind. let go.