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.
You know you're too young for your age
I feel kind of sorry for you
'Cause it's such a shame
You won't be laughing when I'm dead
Under stairs and no one cares I'm dead
And that is where I'll wait for you
Nothing here has changed
Maybe you should go and find
Someone else to blame
'Cause you are gonna be sorry when I'm dead
Under stairs and no one cares I'm dead
And that is where I'll wait for you
I feel kind of sorry for you
'Cause it's such a shame
You won't be laughing when I'm dead
Under stairs and no one cares I'm dead
And that is where I'll wait for you
Nothing here has changed
Maybe you should go and find
Someone else to blame
'Cause you are gonna be sorry when I'm dead
Under stairs and no one cares I'm dead
And that is where I'll wait for you
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
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.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
i don't think this is suicide at all. it reminds me of those threats little kids make when they get in trouble or they don't get their way. they basically say "you'll be sorry when i'm dead!" and go hiding somewhere... in this case, under the stairs.
except in this case, the child sounds like they might be dead, but only in some parts of the song. the beginning line about being too young makes me think of parents who have kids when they're only teenagers.
i'm not completely convinced on the abuse theory, but it sounds likely.