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.
And it comes down to you
Never and ever, wrecked his day
Looks and flirts and noontime in your shortest skirt
Past the point of trying, I'm a dying breed
Thank you for reminding me of all the things I've done completely wrong
Stop these looks and letters
This isn't for the better,
You've stripped me down
It's for the worse
You're not my girl
(can't recall, I can't recall all the times)
I can't recall all the times
That she talked down to you
Letter's come again
Stop the circulation
To my legs and break my bones
Dateless and late
I'm better by myself at home
Past the point of trying and I'm dying here
Secondary laughs at every word
I know came out completely wrong
Stop these looks and letters
This isn't for the better,
You've stripped me down
It's for the worse
You're not my girl
(can't recall, I can't recall all the times)
I can't recall all the times
That she talked down to you
Letter's come again
And it's my last semester
And brothers always come first
It's my last semester (it's my last semester)
At least until next winter (at least until next winter)
But I'm sure that I'll be over this by then
Better scenes, I wish you'd seen me
Better off if I just let it be
Better pretend it don't matter
Better of if I could have her
Better days since the day I met her
I'd better hope she got my letters
Better off in two year stretches
Never and ever, wrecked his day
Looks and flirts and noontime in your shortest skirt
Past the point of trying, I'm a dying breed
Thank you for reminding me of all the things I've done completely wrong
Stop these looks and letters
This isn't for the better,
You've stripped me down
It's for the worse
You're not my girl
(can't recall, I can't recall all the times)
I can't recall all the times
That she talked down to you
Letter's come again
Stop the circulation
To my legs and break my bones
Dateless and late
I'm better by myself at home
Past the point of trying and I'm dying here
Secondary laughs at every word
I know came out completely wrong
Stop these looks and letters
This isn't for the better,
You've stripped me down
It's for the worse
You're not my girl
(can't recall, I can't recall all the times)
I can't recall all the times
That she talked down to you
Letter's come again
And it's my last semester
And brothers always come first
It's my last semester (it's my last semester)
At least until next winter (at least until next winter)
But I'm sure that I'll be over this by then
Better scenes, I wish you'd seen me
Better off if I just let it be
Better pretend it don't matter
Better of if I could have her
Better days since the day I met her
I'd better hope she got my letters
Better off in two year stretches
Lyrics submitted by BrandNew1208
Secondary Lyrics as written by Garrett Tierney Brian Lane
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
this song is quite similar to "the last chance to lose your keys" like..the whole plot of it and then "im better by myself at home"..."im better off home on a saturday night.." similaaarrr..still good song though