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'm so unsure
What is the point?
I'm so tired of not sleeping at night
And I sure don't want to be unsure
Well, I'm sure not feeling alright
I'm so confused
And I only seem to be getting dizzier
And I'm so scared
Scared of everything I see in front of me
And I'll watch my chance as it passes
I don't think you can save me this time
But I'll try wearing your special glasses
Maybe they'll be clearer than mine
Chorus
I'm always
On my case
and I know
That I just can give myself a break
I'm on my case
I swear
I'm all the cause of my headache
Call me washed up, call me what you will
Just don't call me, to tell me how I feel
Cause I've already determined the problems
And they're all about you and I know how to solve them
So don't try and defend yourself this time
Cause I know your tricks, I've heard your lies
And they're all about wanting something more...
Wanting something you can't have before
Chorus
And I'll watch my chance as it passes
I don't think you can save me this time
But I'll try wearing your special glasses
Maybe they'll be clearer than mine
Chorus
What is the point?
I'm so tired of not sleeping at night
And I sure don't want to be unsure
Well, I'm sure not feeling alright
I'm so confused
And I only seem to be getting dizzier
And I'm so scared
Scared of everything I see in front of me
And I'll watch my chance as it passes
I don't think you can save me this time
But I'll try wearing your special glasses
Maybe they'll be clearer than mine
Chorus
I'm always
On my case
and I know
That I just can give myself a break
I'm on my case
I swear
I'm all the cause of my headache
Call me washed up, call me what you will
Just don't call me, to tell me how I feel
Cause I've already determined the problems
And they're all about you and I know how to solve them
So don't try and defend yourself this time
Cause I know your tricks, I've heard your lies
And they're all about wanting something more...
Wanting something you can't have before
Chorus
And I'll watch my chance as it passes
I don't think you can save me this time
But I'll try wearing your special glasses
Maybe they'll be clearer than mine
Chorus
Lyrics submitted by Running_On_Empty
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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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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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