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.
How am I supposed to walk you home
When you're at least fifty feet ahead?
'Cause you walked off in a huff
And I'm that pissed I can't remember what it was I said
And I don't doubt you wouldn't touch him now
But let's face it, you always used to go for that kind
And if you ever really wanted two men at once
All I'm saying is I better be one of the guys you've got in mind
Here we go, same time, same place
I don't like the way you kissed his face
It's not that there's no trust as such
I'd love to make up, but I've had too much
Now, you know fine well I'm staying
I've only ever carried out that threat once before
And even then I couldn't get far
And your mom came and called me back before I'd even made it to the door
Here we go, same time, same place
My embarrassment versus your damp face
We could talk down here or we could talk in bed
But I'm afraid that's all, as I've already said
When you're at least fifty feet ahead?
'Cause you walked off in a huff
And I'm that pissed I can't remember what it was I said
And I don't doubt you wouldn't touch him now
But let's face it, you always used to go for that kind
And if you ever really wanted two men at once
All I'm saying is I better be one of the guys you've got in mind
Here we go, same time, same place
I don't like the way you kissed his face
It's not that there's no trust as such
I'd love to make up, but I've had too much
Now, you know fine well I'm staying
I've only ever carried out that threat once before
And even then I couldn't get far
And your mom came and called me back before I'd even made it to the door
Here we go, same time, same place
My embarrassment versus your damp face
We could talk down here or we could talk in bed
But I'm afraid that's all, as I've already said
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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"How am I supposed to walk you home When you're at least fifty feet ahead?"
One of my favourite lines, along with:
"Now you know fine well I'm staying, I've only ever carried out that threat once before. And even then I couldn't get far and your mum came and Called me back before I'd even made it to the door."