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 remember when I saw the sea freeze
But it said nothing about the birds and the bees
They were swarming around my head
You'll be better off dead
But I ain't going down like that
I ain't going down like that
'Cause I'm better than him and I know where I've been
You know where I've gone and I'm bound
And I lie, it's a sin, but don't we all sin
If that is the truth then the truth is grim
Now that he's in jail and his story's for sale
The farmer's dog wags his crippled tail
It points to the West and he leaves out the rest
Invites you to be his special guest
I remember when I saw the leaves fall
I was in the woods, in a gown you wouldn't wear to the ball
Into the ditch I fly wanted dead or alive
But I ain't going down like that
No I ain't going down like that
'Cause I'm better than him and I know where I've been
You know where I've gone and I'm bound
And I'm higher to sin but don't we all sin
If that is the truth then the truth is grim
Now that he's in jail and his story's for sale
The farmer's dog wags his crippled tail
It points to the West and he leaves out the rest
Invites you to be his special guest
'Cause I'm better than him and I know where I've been
And I know where I've gone and I'm bound
And I'm higher to sin but don't we all sin
If that is the truth then the truth is grim
And stop
But it said nothing about the birds and the bees
They were swarming around my head
You'll be better off dead
But I ain't going down like that
I ain't going down like that
'Cause I'm better than him and I know where I've been
You know where I've gone and I'm bound
And I lie, it's a sin, but don't we all sin
If that is the truth then the truth is grim
Now that he's in jail and his story's for sale
The farmer's dog wags his crippled tail
It points to the West and he leaves out the rest
Invites you to be his special guest
I remember when I saw the leaves fall
I was in the woods, in a gown you wouldn't wear to the ball
Into the ditch I fly wanted dead or alive
But I ain't going down like that
No I ain't going down like that
'Cause I'm better than him and I know where I've been
You know where I've gone and I'm bound
And I'm higher to sin but don't we all sin
If that is the truth then the truth is grim
Now that he's in jail and his story's for sale
The farmer's dog wags his crippled tail
It points to the West and he leaves out the rest
Invites you to be his special guest
'Cause I'm better than him and I know where I've been
And I know where I've gone and I'm bound
And I'm higher to sin but don't we all sin
If that is the truth then the truth is grim
And stop
Lyrics submitted by kid galahad
I Remember When Lyrics as written by James Skelly
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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